Body Dysmorphia
Body Dysmorphia is a condition whereby the sufferer is obsessed with thinking about one or more perceived flaws with their appearance. This can either be one that is completely imagined or one that, although relatively minor, is perceived as major and life affecting. While to the outsider the obsession will seem baseless, to the individual their appearance seems so terrible that they often do not want to be seen by anyone.
Sufferers will be preoccupied with their physical appearance, convinced that they have an abnormality or flaw in their appearance which is making them ugly. They will either constantly look in the mirror or, conversely, may avoid mirrors altogether. They are convinced that others are constantly examining them in a negative fashion. They will undergo frequent cosmetic procedures (including surgery), with little satisfaction. They avoid being photographed. Women sufferers will wear excessive make-up to camouflage perceived facial flaws. Sufferers can become obsessed with specific body parts such as the nose, hair, skin, breasts, genitalia, etc., or become preoccupied with perceived blemishes, such as moles, freckles or baldness.
Whatever remedial action the sufferer takes to correct the perceived flaw, they will never be satisfied with the result.
WhileBody Dysmorphia may not in itself be life threatening, it is a serious disorder – particularly when combined with other, dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. There is no definitive theory as to the causes of Body Dysmorphia, but there is some evidence to suggest that some naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, which are linked to mood, may play a role. There have also been studies carried out which indicate a possible genetic link.
We Can Help!
Before admitting a patient to Sovereign Health of California, we request extensive information from not only the sufferer, but from family and friends, in order to obtain a complete picture of the issues involved. We seek permission to contact any previous treatment providers in order to gather additional information. The more complete the picture, the easier it will be to design an eating disorder treatment program to meet the specific needs of the individual.
WE TREAT THE INDIVIDUAL – NOT THE DISORDER!
Once admitted, each patient undergoes a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. The patient is then introduced to the treatment team, which will include, among others, a family therapist, a psychiatrist and a registered dietician. During the first few days, the patient will get to know each member of the treatment team who, in turn will carry out their own, individual evaluations before combining their knowledge, together with the results of the initial assessment, to produce a completely individual treatment plan for the patient.
Body Dysmorphia often has underlying dual diagnosis issues and here, at Sovereign Health of California, we have a reputation for the finest treatment of dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders in the U.S. These extensive assessments provide our treatment team with an exclusive insight into any co-occurring or dual diagnosis issues, allowing us to incorporate them into the overall treatment program.
Our patients stay in comfortable, gender specific residences in the picturesque coastal community of San Clemente, California. As well as receiving traditional treatments and therapy sessions, patients are also encouraged to partake of holistic therapies such as massage, meditation, hypnotherapy, exercise, sessions at a local gym, acupuncture, art therapy, equine therapy, etc.
We offer treatment to both men and women. So, to learn more about treatment and recovery at Sovereign Health of California, why not visit the 'What We Offer' page of our website. Alternatively, call us now! We have advisors available 24/7 to answer any question you may have with regard to Sovereign Health of California and all its treatment programs. Our success rate speaks for itself!
