Among individuals pursuing cosmetic interventions, nearly 25% exhibit signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), revealing a significant overlap between cosmetic surgery and mental health issues. While cosmetic procedures may seem like a solution to alleviate the shame associated with perceived flaws, they often exacerbate the condition rather than provide relief. Many individuals find themselves feeling just as dissatisfied or even worse post-procedure, leading to an increased focus on their perceived imperfections. This cycle can result in repeated cosmetic interventions, indicating a potential path to addiction. Ultimately, BDD is a mental disorder, and cosmetic interventions often fail to address the underlying issues, potentially entrenching individuals deeper into their insecurities.
All of us have insecurities when it comes to our appearance, but what happens when these become obsessive and a point of fixation? In today's episode we break down the psychology and pathology of body dysmorphia, including:
- The origins in childhood experiences
- Family history and influence
- The differences in expression between men and women
- The relationship between body dysmorphia and cosmetic surgery
- The influence of toxic gym, diet culture and 'bigorexia'
- How false beliefs influence behaviour
- Dating with body dysmorphia, and more
Listen now!
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