In recent years, more attention has been paid to Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) also known as Body Dysmorphia. This illness was once largely ignored by the public and was commonly lumped in with generalized anxiety and other mental issues, but scientists have recently begun to recognize the specific symptoms and traits associated with BDD.
Body dysmorphia is a mental condition in which you focus heavily on a perceived physical flaw that appears very minor or even nonexistent to everyone else. Body dysmorphia, also called body dysmorphic disorder or BDD, can sometimes cause someone so much anxiety about their physical appearance that they begin avoiding social interactions and outings. They may constantly check their appearance in the mirror or seek validation from others, according to the Mayo Clinic.
People who suffer from BDD are often extremely insecure about their appearance and are often preoccupied with perceived physical flaws. In many cases, this anxiety is caused by a pre-existing physical condition, but in some cases, the issues may be imaginary. BDD can be a crippling condition that can lead to even more extreme anxiety and depression and often affects the individual in their personal lives and at work.
Hair Loss and Body Dysmorphia
Those who experience hair loss might be more likely to suffer from body dysmorphia than other people. According to a study from 2015, dermatologists observed body dysmorphia in almost 30% of patients who experienced hair loss. This is compared to only 2% of the other patients who suffered from BDD but did not suffer from hair loss. The study also found that men were more likely to suffer from BDD than women, at 52% of men compared to 26% of women.
Individuals who suffer from body dysmorphia often report that concerns about their hair and hair loss are a major trigger for the illness. Receding hairlines, thinning hair, and the common baldness patterns can have a pronounced effect on anyone’s life and their self-esteem, but for individuals suffering from BDD, it can be much more serious and anxiety-inducing.
Warning Signs
Individuals who suffer from BDD often report experiencing:
- Extreme self-consciousness
- Fixation on a specific flaw or set of flaws
- Referential thinking, “they are all making fun of how I look”
- Impulse control issues
- Appearance comparison – constant comparison of oneself to others
- Safety-seeking – looking to escape social situations in which the individual feels self-conscious
One of the most commonly reported physical features that people struggle with is hair loss, thinning, or baldness. Losing hair can be a major hit to people’s confidence, but it should not get in the way of daily activities and social gatherings. If you have been regularly feeling shame about your appearance or hair loss, it might be time to make a change. Call your primary care physician to discuss mental health treatments, then make a call to Hairline Ink to learn more about how we can help you regain your confidence.
Like many other forms of mental illness, BDD can often be treated by a doctor. Therapy, medical treatment, and a commitment to staying healthy can help individuals who are affected by this disorder. In some cases, hair loss treatment can help alleviate the stress and self-consciousness associated with body dysmorphia.
Our Solution
At Hairline Ink, we want everyone to feel confident in their appearance, even if they have experienced hair loss, shedding, baldness, or failed hair transplants. We offer a variety of services to help you feel your best, including scalp micropigmentation, scar camouflage, adding density to your natural hair, and repairing hair transplants. For more information on utilizing Hairline Ink‘s Scalp Micropigmentation services to combat body dysmorphia, Hairline Ink can have the answers. If you or someone you know is suffering from hair loss, contact our team of experts to learn how scalp micropigmentation can help you to defy hair loss and reinvent the way you feel. We offer Scalp Micropigmentation in over 50 US cities. Call or text us today at 833-HAIR-INK (833-424-7465) to schedule an appointment, learn about our pricing, or to get a free quote.
If you suffer from body dysmorphia, or if you know someone who does, there are treatments out there that can assist with this disorder. We have included links to some helpful resources below in the hopes that you can learn more about BDD, the symptoms, and how it is treated:
Psychology Today – “10 Faulty Thoughts That Occur in Body Dysmorphic Disorder”
Mayo Clinic – “Body Dysmorphic Disorder – Symptoms and Causes”
Mental Health America – “Eight Things You Should Know about Body Dysmorphic Disorder”
