Eating Disorders Support Group

BDD is only diagnosed when there isn't another condition that better explains the symptoms. So anorexia is a condition that better explains the symptoms, therefore they aren't diagnosed with BDD.

However if you don't want to think about DSM-IV definitions, then, yes, most people with anorexia have BDD.

okay thanks for clearing that up!

You are quite welcome. =)

Giselle, wait, what is DSM-IV definitions? Anyhow. Is that true? Most people w/ anorexia have BDD? I am not doubting this, but it seems that w/ BDD is more... urgh, I cant think of how I want to say it. Basically, BDD=more suicidal (this is the easiest way my little brain can figure out how to word this) ANA=body image/self starvation. Ok what I am really trying to ask if what I just used as BDD=suicidal and ANA=self starvation... are you saying yes, most people w/ anorexia have BDD b/c they are committing a slow suicide? NOT debating what you said, not at all, just curious.

DSM-IV is the official manual used by the APA to diagnose mental illness.

The criteria for BDD is:

Preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance. If a slight physical anomaly is present, the person's concern is markedly obsessive.

The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

The preoccupation is not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. dissatisfaction with body shape and size in Anorexia Nervosa)

So a person with BDD probably isn't suicidal. Just obsessed with their "flawed" appearance. Sound like anybody you know on this board?

BDD may be getting confused with BPD, which is Borderline. That's the one that's suicidal. :) BDD seems almost like a subset of anorexia.

I honestly can't imagine the 2 not going hand-in-hand. This is after 23 years of therapy and 'experience'.