The “Transformers” star admitted that she struggles with her body image despite being known to the world as a sex symbol.

Megan Fox , known for being one of the most beautiful women in the world, shared that she suffers from self-perception issues and struggles with body dysmorphia and the “deep insecurities” that this entails.

What is body dysmorphia? Megan Fox shares that she suffers from the disorder and suffers from ‘deep insecurities’

Speaking to British GQ Style , the 35-year-old actress revealed that she suffers from body dysmorphia , which is a disorder that can cause anxiety and stress, as one cannot stop thinking about a flaw in her appearance that can make her incredibly difficult function in daily life.

Megan Fox says she has body dysmorphia and ‘deep insecurities’

While the Transformers star did not share the details of the disorder, she did share that she has “a lot ” of insecurities.

“Yes, I have body dysmorphia. I have many deep insecurities , ” she commented.

“We can look at someone and think, ‘That person is so beautiful. Your life must be so easy. ‘ Chances are they don’t feel that way about themselves, “she said.

   Toxic relationship? Megan Fox on her romance with MGK: “Chaos, terror and rituals”

What is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?

Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition. A person with body dysmorphic disorder becomes very anxious about a physical defect. Often they are imagining the defect, or it is so small that others cannot see it. These feelings consume the person’s thoughts, affecting their social activities and work.

 The transparent dress with which Megan Fox set fire to the ‘photocall’ of the MTV awards

How does body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) affect people?

People with body dysmorphic disorder can:

• They see themselves as “ugly”.
• Think about your perceived flaws for hours every day.
• They miss work or school because they don’t want others to see them.
• Avoid spending time with family and friends.
• Have plastic surgery (possibly multiple surgeries) to try to improve your appearance.
• Experience severe emotional distress and harmful behaviors.

Who gets body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?

Body dysmorphic disorder affects people of any gender. It tends to start during adolescence or early adulthood.  That is the age when children begin to compare themselves to others. Body dysmorphic disorder is a chronic (long-term) condition.

Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder can get worse as people age. They are even more unhappy with the physical changes that come with aging, such as wrinkles and gray hair.

Is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) the same as an eating disorder?

People with body dysmorphic disorder may have other disorders.  Some have eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder ( OCD ).

Body dysmorphic disorder has some similarities to eating disorders. People with body dysmorphic disorder and those with an eating disorder worry about their body image. The difference is that a person with an eating disorder focuses on their weight and body shape. A person with body dysmorphic disorder is anxious about a specific part of the body.

Is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Body dysmorphic disorder is related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), an anxiety disorder. A person with OCD has disturbing thoughts that they cannot control (obsessions). These thoughts result in the need to do certain activities or routines (compulsions).

A person with body dysmorphic disorder may be so preoccupied with the defect that they begin ritualistic activities. They can look in the mirror all the time or pick at their skin.  Obsession can affect your social, work, and family life.

What areas of the body are of concern to people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?

The most common areas of concern for people with this condition include:

• Skin blemishes, including wrinkles, scars, acne, and blemishes.
• Hair, including head or body hair or baldness.
• Facial features, most often the nose.
• Stomach or chest
• Other areas of concern include:
• Penis size.
• Muscles
• Breasts
• Thighs
• Buttocks.
• Body odors

How common is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?

Body dysmorphic disorder affects about 1 in 50 people . In the United States , an estimated 5-10 million people have this condition. It may be even more common than these numbers represent. People with body dysmorphic disorder may be reluctant to talk about their symptoms and may not receive a diagnosis.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

What Causes Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

The exact cause of body dysmorphic disorder is unknown. One theory suggests that there are problems with certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that help nerve cells in the brain send messages to each other). Body dysmorphic disorder often occurs in people with other mental health disorders, such as major depression and anxiety, which helps support this theory.

Other factors that can influence the development or trigger a body dysmorphic disorder include:

• Experience of traumatic events or emotional conflict during childhood.
• Low self-esteem.
• Parents and other people who criticized the person’s appearance.
• Peer pressure and from a society that equates physical appearance with beauty and courage.

What are the symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder?

People with body dysmorphic disorder have an inaccurate view of themselves.  This can cause them to avoid others, or lead to harmful behaviors or repeated surgeries to correct the problems they think they have.

Some of the warning signs that a person may have body dysmorphic disorder include the following:

• Concern for one or more flaws or flaws in physical appearance that cannot be seen by others or that appear minor to others.
• Engaging in repetitive and time-consuming behaviors, such as looking in a mirror, touching your skin, and trying to hide or cover up the defect.
• Constantly asking for the assurance that the defect is not visible or too obvious.
• Having trouble at work or school or in relationships because the person can’t help but focus on the defect.
• Feeling self-conscious and not wanting to go out in public, or feeling anxious around other people.
• Repeatedly consulting with medical specialists, such as plastic surgeons or dermatologists, to find ways to improve your appearance.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

Why is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) difficult to diagnose?

Diagnosing this disorder can be difficult because people are often embarrassed and reserved about their feelings and symptoms. They may feel embarrassed and choose not to tell their providers about their symptoms. The disorder can go unnoticed for years. Many people with body dysmorphic disorder do not receive a diagnosis.

One sign that providers and family members may notice is a person repeatedly seeking plastic surgery for a physical defect they believe they have.

How is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will ask about your personal and family medical history and perform a physical exam. If the provider suspects a body dysmorphic disorder, they can refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist.

These mental health professionals assess a person’s attitude, behavior, and symptoms. A provider will often diagnose a body dysmorphic disorder when a person:

You are concerned about a defect or defects in your appearance.

Performs repetitive actions (grooming, checking appearance in mirror) out of concern for appearance.

They cannot function at work or at home because they are so worried about how they look.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

What are the treatments for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?

Treatment of body dysmorphic disorder often includes a combination of:

Psychotherapy (or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT): Individual counseling focuses on changing a person’s thinking (cognition) and behavior. Through treatment, they correct their thinking about the defect and decrease their compulsive actions.

Exposure Prevention and Response : ERP uses real-life thoughts and situations to show the person that their view of themselves is not accurate.

Medications : Antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help treat body dysmorphic disorder.

Group / Family Therapy – Family support is key to successful treatment. Family members learn to understand body dysmorphic disorder and recognize the signs and symptoms.

What are the complications of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?

Complications of body dysmorphic disorder include:

• Social isolation (loneliness), if the person becomes too self-conscious to go out in public. Loneliness can also affect school and work.
• Increased risk of developing major depression and  suicidal behavior.
• Multiple surgeries to try to correct the perceived defect.

PREVENTION

Can body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) be prevented?

You may not be able to prevent body dysmorphic disorder . But family members and loved ones can help a person stay healthy by reducing the risk of developing a body dysmorphic disorder or preventing it from getting worse:

• Start treatment as soon as the person has symptoms.
• Discuss healthy and realistic attitudes about body image.
• Provide a supportive environment to help the person cope with the disorder.

EXPECTATIONS / FORECAST

What is the outlook for people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?

When people receive and follow treatment, the outlook is good. Support from family and loved ones helps the person receive and maintain their treatment, which leads to better results.

Can body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) be cured?

There is no cure for body dysmorphic disorder. However, treatment, including therapy, can help people improve their symptoms. The goal of treatment is to lessen the effect the disorder has on a person’s life so that it can function at home, work, and in social settings.