Latisse and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

In late 2008, the drug Lumigan, originally developed to treat glaucoma, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be prescribed as an eyelash enhancer.  It seems that one of the side effects of the glaucoma drug, now called Latisse when marketed for eyelash enhancement, is eyelash growth.  According to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times, Latisse is being prescribed by dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and day spa physicians to women who want to increase the length and fullness of their lashes.

Is this a good thing?  One of the most common issues we see in our clients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is excessive focus on the appearance of their eyes, including their eyelashes.  Latisse plays right into this common BDD concern. › Continue reading

Tags: Allergan, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Body Image, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cosmetic Surgery, Dermatology, Eyelashes, Health, Latisse

Proposed DSM-5 Changes for OCD and Anxiety Disorders

There have long been rumblings that the American Psychiatric Association (APA) was undertaking a thorough review of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).  The ostensible goal of such a review would be to create a more accurate and in-depth edition of the DSM, which was last updated in 1994.

After ten years of ongoing debate, the numerous APA work groups investigating potential revisions to various diagnoses and categories to be included in a planned fifth edition have presented their suggestions to the APA.  Some of these changes are likely to be as controversial as current classifications in the DSM-IV, while others will pass barely noticed into the new DSM-5 (for example, the switch away from Roman numerals in the title).  A number of these proposed changes directly impact conditions treated here at the OCD Center of Los Angeles.  To wit: › Continue reading

Tags: American Psychiatric Association, Anxiety, APA, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Compulsive Skin Picking, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, DSM-5, DSM-IV, Health, Hypochondria / Health Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Olfactory Reference Syndrome, Panic Disorder, Trichotillomania

Reassurance Seeking in OCD and Related Conditions

People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who experience the pain and terror brought on by unwanted intrusive thoughts will use whatever means necessary to alleviate their discomfort. If they can’t make themselves feel sure about something internally, they reach out to the nearest person who they think can do it for them. If they are unavailable, the person with OCD will often reach out to the cold, unforgiving internet where the answers they hope not to find will always be waiting. › Continue reading

Tags: Acceptance, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Health, Hypochondria / Health Anxiety, Mindfulness, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Reassurance Seeking, Social Anxiety / Social Phobia