What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a term used to describe a mental health condition, where the person suffering will spend excessive amounts of time worrying about their appearance. The condition can be extremely upsetting and seriously debilitating, with the depth of concerns over appearance far exceeding the more common ‘vanity’ based thoughts that many of us can have from time to time.

BDD can affect both men and women of any age, though it is most often diagnosed in teenagers and young adults.

Individuals with BDD often experience severe psychological distress, and the anguish a person with BDD suffers can have a huge disruptive impact on their daily, family, work and social life.

In some cases the severity of BDD goes so deep that it becomes a life-threatening illness, when sufferers are driven to contemplate suicide as they feel there is no escape from their distress. This alone demands that this condition is taken seriously, and adequate treatment is offered.

A Personal Journey

Psychotherapist and yoga teacher, Tracy Northampton, specialises in eating disorders and addiction. She is Governor at St Andrew’s Healthcare, Patron of the Body Dysmorphic Foundation and, currently, runs a private practice in Central London.

When Tracy was young the family kitchen was a no-go zone. Meals were rushed – eat to survive, get the job done. In her teens study replaced sport and she became bulimic. Guilt and shame were the tenants in her secret life until a chance encounter with Princess Diana helped her fully recover and pursue her psychotherapeutic career.

Tracy’s niece Charlotte suffered with Body Dysmorphic Disorder. She hated her face; life was, simply, unbearable. As a direct result of her illness she took her own life.

Tracy discusses the devastation caused by Body Dysmorphic Disorder, together with Jemma Richards, host of “This Food Thing” series of podcasts.

Learn more about Tracy’s early days and personal trials, her subsequent professional expertise and the devastation caused by Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

This episode is dedicated to Charlotte – click here to listen

 EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

  • (04:50) – Food as enemy
  • (10:34) – EDA conference. Tracy’s turning point
  • (16:34) – Princess Diana and Susie Orbach
  • (25:00) – What is the right support for ED’S?
  • (33.30) – Charlotte’s story

For further information, please visit:

Tracy Northampton – Tracy Northampton

This Food Thing podcast series with Jemma Richards –  “This Food Thing” and Jemma’s story

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation – Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation

 

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Our Editorial Team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions may not always be the views of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under the direction of medical supervision please speak to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommnedations in these articles.

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