|
Here, you will find an ever-growing list of terms that are related to body dysmorphic disorder. If you don't understand something on this site, please refer to this list, and hopefully you will find a definition for what you are looking for. Our support group has come up with quite a few original words due to the lack of literature written on BDD at the time of its origin. If you would like any terms added to this list of definitions, please contact us.
| BDD | Acronym for body dysmorphic disorder | | BDDer | A person with BDD | | BDD Attack | When a person with BDD is so overwhelmed with feelings of self-hatred, they can no longer function properly. Suicide is often considered at this time. BDD attacks eventually pass, and can be followed by normal functioning, or a BDD episode | | BDD Episode | A BDD episode occurs when a person with BDD is having a day filled with self doubt, comparing themselves to others, and constantly worrying and filled with anxiety | | Compulsions | An irresistible impulse to act, regardless of the rationality of the motivation | | Delusional | A false belief strongly held in spite of invalidating evidence, especially as a symptom of mental illness | | Dysmorphophobia | An alternate name for BDD. It was the original name of the disorder | | Imagined Ugliness Syndrome | A nickname sometimes used when referring to BDD | | Katharine Phillips | One of the leading authorities researching BDD. She has also written a book on the disorder called, The Broken Mirror | | Mirror Checking | Behavior often preformed by a person with BDD. They may sit in front of a mirror for a varying length of time, observing features, picking at skin, touching features, etc. | | NonBDDer | A person that does not have BDD | | Obsessions | A compulsive, often unreasonable idea or emotion. People with BDD are usually obsessed with an imperfection in appearance | | OCD | Acronym for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many believe that this disorder may be closely linked with BDD | | Rituals | A detailed method of procedure faithfully or regularly followed. Two common BDD rituals are checking one's reflection in a reflective surface, or skin picking | | SSRI | Acronym for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. It is a class of drugs, such as fluoxetine or sertraline, that inhibit the uptake of serotonin by neurons of the central nervous system and are primarily used in the treatment of depression and obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as BDD | | Trichotillomania | The compulsion to tear or pluck out the hair on one's head and face and often to ingest it. Many people with BDD find that they also have trichotillomania |
Some definitions were taken from the following source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
| |
About BDD 
