身體醜陋恐懼症(強迫症/厭食症/貪食症/飲食失調/紊亂症)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), also known as dysmorphophobia,
is a psychiatric disorder consisting of a distressing and
impairing preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect
in appearance. There is a high degree of association with
other psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD) and eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
Whilst BDD has been shown to be a relatively common disorder
it can go unrecognised as the patient is often secretive about
their distress. Although BDD is technically a psychiatric
disorder there are associations with decreased levels of serotonin
– an important a neurotransmitter in the brain associated
with, amongst other factors, mood, sleep and appetite.
Recent treatment studies show that the selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used in the treatment of depression
and cognitive behavioural therapy, used simultaneously or
alone, can be beneficial in alleviating the distress and impairment
associated with the condition. SSRIs are widely used in the
treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and some personality
disorders and work by increasing serotonin levels.
According to an 8-week study published in March 2008, however,
EPA (a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid derived from fish) has
equally therapeutic effects in major depressive disorder as
the SSRI Prozac. EPA plays a vital role in the brain, remodelling
neurons, improving blood flow to important areas of the brain,
increasing chemical messaging and therefore enhancing neurotransmitter
function.
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