Movies about body dysmorphic disorder - Mental Health Related Films
Movies that explore, engage, or offer insight into body dysmorphic disorder and the social and psychological issues involved.
Human lives and behaviour are far more nuanced and emotive than any psychiatric diagnostic system or symptom checklist can ever portray.
Most people recognise aspects of themselves in at least a few psychiatric diagnostic categories. The difference between normal and disorder is not straightforward and often has more to do with degree rather than kind, i.e. does it cause big problems?
While movies are not perfect depictions of reality, they often present themes in relatable, enriching, usefully challenging, and thought-provoking ways.
We invite you to explore mental health through movies that raise awareness, open dialogue, present complexity, entertain, and/or normalise experiences.
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What is Body dysmorphic disorder?
Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition in which a person becomes obsessed with a slight body imperfection. Body dysmorphic disorder is similar to eating disorders in that both are concerned with body image. The difference between the two disorders is that in eating disorders , the focus is on the weight and the shape of the entire body, but in body dysmorphic disorder, the focus is on a specific body part. Of course, eating disorders also centre around food and eating.
A person with body dysmorphic disorder may fixate on the skin blemishes, on the shape of the face, nose, lips, arms, breasts, etc. The flaws may seem minor to others, but the person with the disorder may suffer from tremendous worry and seek out countless cosmetic procedures to try to "fix" the flaw. No matter how many times people tell them they look normal and fine, the person with the disorder cannot accept that the issue doesn’t exist.
In psychiatry, the body dysmorphic disorder is defined in the DSM-5 (diagnostic manual) as follows…
Abridged DSM-V Diagnostic Criteria of body dysmorphic disorder 300.7 (F45.22) | Included for educational purposes
A. Preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others.
B. At some point during the course of the disorder, the individual has performed repetitive behaviours (e.g., mirror checking, excessive grooming, skin picking, reassurance seeking) or mental acts (e.g., comparing his or her appearance with that of others) in response to the appearance concerns.
C. The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
D. The appearance preoccupation is not better explained by concerns with body fat or weight in an individual whose symptoms meet diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder .
Movies about Body dysmorphic disorder
If we missed an essential film about body dysmorphic disorder, please let us know. We would love to include it.
Note: Movies may trigger painful memories and emotions. Please use your judgement and ensure support is available if need be.
Movie Title: Sharing the Secret - Watch now on Prime
Release: 2000
Rated: 6.2
Cast: Mare Winningham, Alison Lohman, Lawrence Monoson
Storyline: A young woman's hidden struggle with body dysmorphic disorder and an eating disorder threatens to consume her life until she finds the courage to open up, seek help, and embark on a journey of self-acceptance and healing.
Movie Title: Filter
Release: 2010
Rated:
Cast: Mishka Balilty, Anthony Bentrovato, Senta Cassell
Storyline: Experience a day in the life of a girl with body dysmorphic disorder in 'Filter' as perception battles reality, utilizing unique camera angles to immerse you in her world of tunnels and provide a poignant glimpse into her struggles.
Movie Title: American Mary - Watch now on Prime
Release: 2012
Rated: 6.3
Cast: Katherine Isabelle, Antonio Cupo, Tristan Risk
Storyline: Mary, a surgical student is introduced to the body modification community through people who are suffering from severe body dysmorphic disorder.
Movie Title: Likeness
Release: 2013
Rated: 6.7
Cast: Elle Fanning, Ximena Prieto, Monroe Alvarez
Storyline: A short movie about a teenager with a crippling body dysmorphic disorder.
References and Links
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
What is Body dysmorphic disorder?: https://bdd.iocdf.org/about-bdd/
More on Body dysmorphic disorder: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/body-dysmorphia/
Body dysmorphic disorder according to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_dysmorphic_disorder
Acknowledgements
The above article was written under my close direction and supervision. However, much credit goes to Charlene Poliquit (my right-hand man) and Andri Eigenberger (my beloved aunt) for their huge efforts in bringing this task to life.
Vincenzo Sinisi
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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