Understanding of Body Dysmorphic Disorder - An Ayurvedic conceptual study

Abstract

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is common mental health condition characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in physical appearance. These perceived imperfections, often not visible to others, can cause significant emotional distress and impair daily functioning. BDD affects both men and women and can manifest at any age, though it commonly begins in adolescence. In Ayurveda, this appearance preoccupation can be understood in terms of Chintyam (thinking) or Atichintana (overthinking). Chintyam is also considered as objective of mind which means to be thought about or to be imagined and by regulating the thought process Manonigraha can be achieved.^[1] Chinta and Chita (fire) have only a difference of dot. Chita burns the dead while Chinta burns the alive.^[2] In a recent systematic review it was found that weighted prevalence of BDD in adults in the community was estimated to be 1.9% though this was increased when looking at specific psychiatric settings (adult psychiatric outpatients (5.8%) and adult psychiatric inpatients 7.4%) and even further increased in the context of other nonpsychiatric specialties such as general cosmetic surgery 13.2%; in rhinoplasty surgery 20.1%; in orthognathic surgery 11.2%; in orthodontics/cosmetic dentistry settings 5.2%; in dermatology outpatients 11.3%; and in cosmetic dermatology outpatients 9.2%.^[3] Many individuals affected with this condition will have high level of anxiety and depressed mood and some may even end up with major depressive disorder.