Body dysmorphic disorder: relationship with beauty standards

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationship between beauty standards and body dysmorphic disorder. Review bibliographic: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is defined as an excessive preoccupation with a physical defect imagined by a person in their appearance, thus causing suffering that becomes a clinical concern. This pattern of behavior is usually noticed in social situations, where the person socially avoids and tries to camouflage their appearance with makeup, gestures and clothing. Another typical behavior is to repeatedly examine the “defect” in the mirror or avoid it, and may ask for reassurance about it. The aesthetic standard that is proposed, especially by the media, since it has greater reach, influences the way people treat their bodies. Although the age of onset is more common during adolescence, it also occurs in children and the elderly. In the latter, there is a great concern with aging. Considerations final: The DCD has a negative impact on the lives of its patients, making it impossible to have a healthy life, both in the social, professional, physical and mental spheres.