Charles

Thank you for your excellent article. The condition of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is very new to me, although the typical concerns that you list I can identify with people that I know, including a family member.

I also concur that for BDD, OCD is a serious problem that can ruins relationship

Ever since I gained 35 lbs from being on Zyprexa, I have had a very depressing feeling about my self image. People say I look “average” weight but my BMI says I am borderline obese. This has been disturbing me for the past 8 yrs and I KNOW I don’t eat much at all yet still fail to lose weight. I would like to excercise and want to join a womens health club such as Curves. Do I have BDD? I hate myself and the way I look and have been dperessed even worse since being put on Zyprexa. I am now on Abilify and wonder if it causes the same weight control problem? I have begged the Dr’s for help with a weight loss rx drug but nothing is changing so far. Respectfully, Janet

@Janet: Sorry for the delay in responding; we’ve been out of the country. Both Zyprexa and Abilify sometimes do seem to cause weight gain. We don’t personally know of any research concerning weight loss strategies for this particular problem. If the medications are not helping your moods (you seem to suggest they are not), you should discuss the possibility of getting off of them with your doctor. Also, please consider getting psychotherapy for your other concerns–often therapy works as well or better than medication and it generally won’t cause weight gain!