Anxiety Disorders #2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Anxiety Disorders #2 - Essay Example carring or acne problems, in the nose in terms of size and shape of nose, in the hair as a thinning or balding hair and in the genitals as the size and shape of the sex organ. Although researchers believe that the causes of body dysmorphic disorder may be ‘multifactorial’ in nature – genetically, psychologically, or socially derived they are uncertain of the specific cause of this disorder (Phillips and Castle 2001).However, it is believed that the public’s preoccupation with body image may be directly related to the onset of this psychiatric disorder. The media’s insistence on displaying their version of a beautiful man or woman is influencing simple individuals’ views of themselves. Due to the media’s appeal, society in general may put pressure on men and women alike to present themselves in light of the media’s preferences. In men, in particular, there is the preoccupation with muscle which may lead to muscle dysmorphia – an anxiety which comes from the belief that ‘one’s body is too small’ or insufficiently brawny (Phillips and Castle 2001). The most effective treatments for BDD are medication and cognitive behavior therapy. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors used to aid those who are depressed is intensified in dosage and duration for individuals suffering with BDD. Cognitive behavioral therapy allows individuals to gain a more pragmatic analysis of their body image. Therefore, individuals who may have been obsessed with a tiny spot on the skin may be able through various cognitive behavioral techniques to accept the tiny spot as an imperfection which is not a definition of the individual’s appearance and in time learn to cope with the minute speck in relation to rest of the perfect skin. Further, patients may develop more realistic views of their appearance and resist the urge to perform repetitive behaviors such as a constant checking of self in the mirror or regular comparison of self to others. What is more cognitive behavior