Explanation:
1. It belongs to the group of mental illnesses and it's manifesting through obsession of our own appearance and all the flaws we have or don't have. It's usually minimal or none, and others don't see it, but it reflects through insecurities and avoidance of social activities. When it comes to symptoms: avoiding socialization, checking the mirror non-stop, skin-picking, constant comparison with others, etc.
2. They are usually very misdiagnosed with OCD, because the symptoms are very similar -- they're manifested through obsession of one's appearance and compulsive behavior. There is another situation where is misdiagnosed -- with trichotillomania ( usually with patients who cut their eyelashes, eyebrows, hair in order to be '' more beautiful '' ) It's not rare that it's mistaken with schizophrenia.
3. Not long ago. It was discovered and mentioned for the first time in the 1980's by the team of American doctors. When it comes to the term itself, it wasn't before 1987 when it started to be used and diagnosed, and was continue to grow and develop ever since.
4. As I said in the previos question, it was used as an official term and a disease back in the 1987, which was not that long ago. It belongs to the group of DSM-5, and is sorted under the '' group '' of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and is diagnosed when being evaluated by the professional.
5. It usually begins in the late teen years, around 16-18 years of life, when we're really affected by the thoughts of our peers and how they see us. Experts say that it comes gradually, and that some of the people that are dealing with this condition experience them around 12 years of life. It can can affect the way an individual leads life and is better to talk to the expert before it develops or becomes more severe.
6. It is normal that a person is unsatisfied with their appearance every once in a while, but if it's on the regular basis, all the time, that's when it becomes an issue. It's manifested through being obsessed over a tiny thing on our body and face that is barely or non-visible to others, yet, we're so focused on it that nothing can stop us from overthinking it and doing other, meaningful activities in our lives.
7. What belongs to the somatoform disorders? Those are the disorders that are not yet quite recognized by the professionals, due to lack of ability in patients to describe symptoms as they're not constant. They belong to the physical nature and appearance, and are also giving a hard time to the experts as they cannot be fully treated with the help of varios medicaments.The conclusion is, it does belong to this group, but it is also classified as psychotic and delusional disorder.
8. Psycho-social effects are numerous as the person that is dealing with this type of disorder is so consumed by it, that they start to avoid, little by little, any kind of social interaction. What leads to that? A huge dissatisfaction and obsession over tiniest things on one's faces. It's manifested through insecurity, shame, feeling of ugliness and that everyone will mock them for that and smile.
9. The factors and causes are not certain for 100%, but expert think that both environment and biological code play a huge part. Like, genetic predispositions, lack of serotonin in the brain, maltreatment by the parents and/or peers, se*ual abuse, peer abuse, etc.
10. The sad part is, it cannot be prevented. But it's important to react fast as soon as we see any of the symptoms when it comes to both ourselves and dear people in our life, as reacting fast is the key to successful treatment. What is also helpful, assuring ourselves and others that we should maintain a healthy body and face image of ourselves and realistic opinions on this topic as everybody has flaws and they're not what defines us as human beings.
11. Both medicaments and therapies. It's very important to talk to an expert as it's always easier to talk to someone we don't know and we are sure a 100% that they won't judge us and that they know what they're doing. It's very important to confide in someone who's close to us and who we love, and to know that we have their support, patience and love no matter what.
