title: How do people with body dysmorphic disorder view themselves? A thematic analysis.
abstract: Abstract Objectives. To examine the accounts of people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and qualitatively explore self perceptions. Methods. Eleven people with BDD were interviewed using a semi-structured schedule. Participants brought photographs of themselves and drew a self-portrait. Transcribed interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis. Results. The most common theme was increased threat perception resulting in disordered interpersonal relationships. Other themes included the wish for regularity and symmetry in appearance, an idealised childhood self, the duty to look good, and a focus on specific "defective" features rather than general ugliness. Conclusions. Using thematic analysis and visual methods, we identified core themes that appear to characterise the way individuals with BDD perceive themselves and their interpersonal relationships. Thematic analysis offers promise as a tool to explore the overlap between BDD and other putatively related mental health problems.
authors.affiliation: Trainee Counselling Psychologist, City University, London, UK and OCDs Specialist Service, Herts Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Welwyn Garden City, UK.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Silver
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Reavey
authors.forename: Naomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Anne Fineberg
keywords: Body dysmorphic disorder; obsessive compulsive disorder spectrum; thematic analysis