Gen-Y's "No" Their Body Image
Dr. David J. Demko, Gerontologist
AgeVenture News Service (11-26-02)
"Mirror, mirror, on the wall ... why is my appearance disgustingly dull?" No, that's not a line from "Sleeping Beauty". But it is a question that increasing numbers of Generation-Y (teens) are asking. More than ever, Gen-Ys are seeking facial surgery, says the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). In 2001, nearly seven percent of all procedures were sought by teens, compared to over four percent in 2000 and over two percent in 1999. The AAFPRS survey also discovered increasing evidence of "body dysmorphic disorder" (BDD). BDD is an unhealthy preoccupation with body image. Some call it a mental illness that causes individuals to hate the sight of their bodies. The disorder affects slightly more men than women. Specifically, six in 100 women who seek procedures suffer from BDD compared to 7 out of every 100 men. Interesting. Shakespeare has a new twist. "Vanity, thy name is ... no longer woman, but man".
Body dysmorphic disorder is defined as a time-consuming and potentially disabling preoccupation with imagined or slight defects in one's appearance. Sufferers become
obsessed with their perceived physical flaw, thinking about it for at least an hour a
day, wearing heavy makeup or long clothing to hide it and avoiding contact with
others. BDD most commonly involves facial features but may also involve hands, feet,
breasts and genitalia. It usually begins during adolescence, and can cause depression,
social isolation, school or job problems and, in more severe cases, suicide attempts.
Families sometimes mistakenly attribute the behavior to extreme self-consciousness
associated with growing up. Diagnosing BDD can be challenging because sufferers
often keep their symptoms secret due to embarrassment and shame.
Grandparents, parents, and friends of Gen-Ys should watch out for these BDD characteristics.
- Preoccupation with a specific body part (face, ears, eyes, etc)
- Camouflage of a specific body part (perhaps via tatoo)
- Avoidance of social interactions
- Frequently comparing one's appearance with that of others
- Excessive grooming (combing, shaving, makeup)
- Exercising or dieting excessively
- Frequently touching the perceived defect
- Measuring the "unpleasant" body part
Should you be concerned about BDD? Take this self-test.
If three or more of the items apply to you, it's worth a closer look.
01. Do you worry obsessively about the appearance of your face or body?
02. How bad do you think your face or body appears?
03. How much time do you spend worrying about the appearance of your face or body part?
04. Have you done anything to hide the problem or rid yourself of the problem?
05. Does this concern with your appearance affect any aspect of your school, job or social life?
Want to learn more? Contact AAFPRS for free consumer information and brochures: 1-800-332-FACE.
See related articles in AgeVenture archives.
Surge in Cosmetic Surgery Up 300 Percent
Age Trends Create Emphasis on Cosmetic Dentistry
As Boomers Age, Cosmetic Surgery Increases
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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