HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY TREAT BDD WITH MEDICATION: WHAT GETS BETTER WITH AN SRI? AVOIDANCE AND BDD-RELATED BEHAVIORS

Avoidance

Avoidance usually lessens. It’s easier to do things, go places, and be around others. People become more active—their life becomes more colorful and interesting. Spending less time obsessing or checking the mirror frees you to do other things. It’s also easier to do things and be around others when the thoughts and compulsions are less painful and powerful. In addition, self-consciousness and fear around other people may diminish, making it easier to socialize.

BDD-related behaviors

BDD behaviors usually improve. Less time is spent checking mirrors, skin picking, hair cutting, reassurance seeking, and performing other BDD behaviors. They’re easier to resist and control, and the anxiety caused by doing them, or not doing them, diminishes. “The main thing Prozac did for me was help me stay out of the mirror,” one person told me. “I go into the bathroom, and my heart races, but I have the fortitude not to look. It’s a very important change. The mirror no longer controls me.”

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HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY TREAT BDD WITH MEDICATION: WHAT GETS BETTER WITH AN SRI? AVOIDANCE AND BDD-RELATED BEHAVIORS Avoidance Avoidance usually lessens. It’s easier to do things, go places, and be around others. People become more active—their life becomes more colorful and interesting. Spending less time obsessing or checking the mirror frees you to do other things. It’s also easier to do things and be around others when the thoughts and compulsions are less painful and powerful. In addition, self-consciousness and fear around other people may diminish, making it easier to socialize.BDD-related behaviors BDD behaviors usually improve. Less time is spent checking mirrors, skin picking, hair cutting, reassurance seeking, and performing other BDD behaviors. They’re easier to resist and control, and the anxiety caused by doing them, or not doing them, diminishes. “The main thing Prozac did for me was help me stay out of the mirror,” one person told me. “I go into the bathroom, and my heart races, but I have the fortitude not to look. It’s a very important change. The mirror no longer controls me.”*249\204\8*