Examples of SSRIs include Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil. The SSRIs are a type of antidepressant used successfully in the treatment of both depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. People who respond to an SSRI generally experience improvement in several ways. They spend less time thinking about the defect and the thoughts are less intrusive and painful. Compulsive behaviors, such as checking or camouflaging, often diminish.
Patients often report that associated anxiety and depression have lessened.
The goal is that, over time, anxiety associated with the feared defect and situation will decrease and the associated behaviors will lessen in frequency. This type of therapy is often recommended in addition to medication. Body dysmorphic disorder can be a secretive condition and may not be immediately recognizable, even to parents or other family members. Be concerned if your adolescent engages in excessive grooming rituals or asks repeatedly for assurance about appearance yet is unable to be reassured. Surprisingly, responding with reassurance will only heighten the concerns.