Eating Disorders v Body Dysmorphic Disorder – Know the Signs
In a world where young people are constantly bombarded with ‘body goals,’ comparison culture and the pressure to look a certain way, it’s not surprising that concerns about body image are showing up earlier, and more intensely than ever before. The problem is that for some kids and teens, these concerns go far beyond insecurity. Eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are serious mental health conditions that can fly under the radar and are often dismissed as ‘healthy habits’ or as normal teenage angst. Recognising the early signs and understanding what support actually works can make a real difference, because when someone is struggling with one of these disorders it doesn’t just affect the way they see themselves; it touches every corner of their life.
Signs of an Eating Disorder
The signs of an eating disorder aren’t always easy to spot, especially as the early behaviours can look like harmless habits and be put down to being ‘just a phase.’ But, there are three main eating disorders to be aware of: anorexia nervosa (AN), which often involves restrictive eating and extreme weight loss; bulimia nervosa (BN), characterised by cycles of binging and purging; and binge eating disorder (BED) where a person regularly eats large amounts of food in a short period of time and experiences guilt or distress afterwards. There are also other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED), which may present differently but are equally serious.
Signs to watch for include skipping meals, avoiding eating in front of others, sudden weight changes, an obsession with counting calories or ‘clean eating,’ or excessive exercise. You might also notice mood swings, fatigue and frequent trips to the bathroom after meals (as in the case of purging), or withdrawal from social situations. It’s also important to note that whilst these disorders are stereotypically depicted as impacting teenage girls, they can affect anyone regardless of age, body size and gender.
Signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
BDD is not an eating disorder although it may look similar. Instead of being focused on weight or body size, people with BDD fixate on specific body parts they believe are flawed (often something others barely notice or don’t see at all). BDD belongs to the same group of mental health conditions as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which helps explain why it often involves obsessive thoughts and repetitive checking behaviours. Unfortunately, BDD can be harder to identify. We may think that the person is just insecure or being dramatic, instead of recognising it for the distressing, compulsive condition that it is. As it often occurs comorbidly with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or eating disorders, BDD symptoms can often be overlooked or overshadowed by other more obvious symptoms.
Signs that may indicate a person has BDD include obsessing over a perceived physical flaw, repeatedly checking or completely avoiding mirrors, excessive grooming or skin picking, or trying to cover or hide the area with clothes, makeup, hair etc. People struggling with BDD may also seek constant reassurance, believe that others are staring or judging the flaw, and avoid photos, social events, school and work. In extreme cases, they may also seek unnecessary cosmetic procedures. However, as this doesn’t cure the root of their BDD, they often transfer the fixation to another area of their body after the original ‘flaw’ is ‘fixed.’
Getting Help
The good news is that many people are able to recover with evidence-based treatment and support, such as therapy for eating disorders or therapy for BDD. So, whether it’s disordered eating, obsessive appearance worries or something in between, it’s vital to acknowledge that it’s not just a phase or attention seeking. They are signs of a mental health condition that deserves compassion and support as early as possible, as symptoms tend to worsen if left unchecked. Evidence-based treatment and a multidisciplinary approach are recommended. Finding a care provider who offers an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to address the person’s physical, emotional and psychological needs is paramount to support the best possible outcomes and long-term recovery.
This article provides general information only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are concerned about your mental health, please seek advice from a qualified health professional. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, call 000. For 24/7 support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
