The founder and owner of three successful residential programs, L. Jay Mitchell maintains a national reputation as an innovator in the treatment of adolescents who experience emotional challenges. The founder of Greenbrier Academy, a West Virginia boarding school, L. Jay Mitchell and his team tackle a range of emotional barriers, such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
People with BDD find it difficult to stop thinking about a perceived flaw or defect in their appearance. Others often do not see this flaw or regard it as very minor, but it creates a sense of anxiety and shame in the person with BDD. They become so embarrassed by this perceived major flaw that they avoid social situations and intensely focus on their body image and appearance by repeatedly looking in the mirror or seeking reassurance.
Two common subtypes of BDD are muscle dysmorphia and BDD by Proxy (BDDBP). Muscle dysmorphia refers to a preoccupation with body build. People believe they have inadequate muscle definition or muscles that are too small. They place too high of a value on appearance and have intrusive negative thoughts about their body that distracts them from everyday life.
Meanwhile, BDDBP refers to body dysmorphia relating to the perceived imperfections of another person. Similar to BDD, people with BDDBP repeatedly attempt to fix another person’s appearance. As a result, they struggle with normal social functioning and do not interact as well with others.
People with BDD find it difficult to stop thinking about a perceived flaw or defect in their appearance. Others often do not see this flaw or regard it as very minor, but it creates a sense of anxiety and shame in the person with BDD. They become so embarrassed by this perceived major flaw that they avoid social situations and intensely focus on their body image and appearance by repeatedly looking in the mirror or seeking reassurance.
Two common subtypes of BDD are muscle dysmorphia and BDD by Proxy (BDDBP). Muscle dysmorphia refers to a preoccupation with body build. People believe they have inadequate muscle definition or muscles that are too small. They place too high of a value on appearance and have intrusive negative thoughts about their body that distracts them from everyday life.
Meanwhile, BDDBP refers to body dysmorphia relating to the perceived imperfections of another person. Similar to BDD, people with BDDBP repeatedly attempt to fix another person’s appearance. As a result, they struggle with normal social functioning and do not interact as well with others.
