Can I reverse the signs of ageing: Perception or problem?

I’ve just attended some training with a psychiatrist, who is an expert in mental health in the aesthetics industry. I’m blown away to hear the fact that of those of us who have aesthetic treatments, 50% suffer from some form of diagnosable psychiatric disorder. 

That’s HUGE... and SCARY!

Now before you make any judgement, remember that we live in strange times and that our modern-day lifestyles mean it’s not too surprising to hear this.

I might recognise that you are unsuitable for treatment if you show signs of:

1. Expecting me to completely reverse the signs of ageing 
2. Focusing on an insignificant defect, or seeing a flaw in your face that I cannot see
3. Mirror avoidance or excessive mirror looking (looking very closely or for an extended period of time at your face in clinic) 
4. Expecting the treatment to totally change your life, or change your marital or employment status
5. Not being interested in the risks involved in the treatment
6. If you are in crisis like a recent death, trauma or other major life-changing event
7. Show a history of being repeatedly unhappy with treatment outcomes from me or someone else.

What I learnt was that for some disorders, like body dysmorphia, I am most likely to be the health professional to realise there may be a problem. 

How do I know if I could have body dysmorphia?

The truth is that most of us have it, to some degree, even if that’s only 0.005%!

If you’re reading this blog, then you’re probably a patient or thinking about being one, so you have some aspect about your face that bothers you enough to seek treatment. The difference is that it’s NOT significantly impacting your life so as to cause significant distress and stop you from going about your normal life. 

You could have dysmorphia if you show signs of;

1. Excessive mirror checking
2. Excessive grooming
3. Skin picking
4. Reassurance seeking, about an aspect of your face or body, from others ( especially when comparing yourself to others) 

What does this mean for you?

If you recognise that you show some of the behaviours mentioned above, don’t be alarmed, there are treatments to help you. It also doesn’t mean that you are excluded from having aesthetic treatments. What I learn from the training is, that the most important thing is that both you and I realise and acknowledge the problem, so we can have an open and honest discussion on what’s best for you, to help you manage your care. What’s clear from the research is that, if the condition goes unrecognised, and treatment continues without consideration of the problem, then almost certainly, your condition will become worse.