Information for Children and Adolescents
The Center for Human Appearance also is a resource
for children and adolescents who have appearance
concerns, whether from congenital conditions
(craniofacial anomalies) or an acquired change
in appearance such as those resulting from trauma
or disease. Canice Crerand, PhD, a psychologist in the division
of cosmetic surgery at The Children's Hospital
of Philadelphia, is a consultant to the Center
for Human Appearance. She helps children and
adolescents who face the challenge of looking “different.”
Adolescents are especially vulnerable, she says. “Their
bodies are changing with puberty, and they are
paying more attention to the actions and attitudes
of their peers. A different appearance can leave
a teen vulnerable to teasing from peers and low
self-esteem."
Although interaction with peers can be a major
concern for these kids, some of the issues they
face are school-related. For example, some teachers
may have different expectations about a child's
intellectual abilities based on appearance, Crerand
points out. “We help children and their
families address these issues and also help children
develop social skills. We let them know that
it’s okay to talk about appearance concerns.
We help them develop ways of dealing with unkind,
unwanted or inappropriate attention to their
appearance – in ways that are acceptable
to their peers and to their own comfort levels.”
Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Kids
Adolescents without congenital, trauma- or disease-related
conditions may have psychological issues with
their appearance, a condition called body dysmorphic
disorder (BDD). “BDD is a disorder that
involves preoccupation with an imagined or slight
defect in appearance that interferes with daily
functioning, explains Crerand.
Persons with this
disorder have distorted beliefs about their appearance
and engage in compulsive behaviors. They do this
as a means of managing their appearance-related
distress, she points out. For example,
persons with BDD may spend hours examining their
appearance in the mirror or they may avoid situations
or activities where appearance "flaws" might
be exposed. Sometimes this preoccupation with
appearance interferes with functioning.
If that is the case, Center for Human Appearance
psychologists can provide interventions to help
adolescents with BDD manage their appearance
concerns and improve their daily functioning.
The staff begins by monitoring how much time
the adolescent thinks about appearance and spends
grooming. “We then challenge distorted
thoughts about appearance. We also use behavioral
strategies to help persons with BDD conquer their
appearance-related anxiety,” says Dr. Crerand.
Cosmetic Surgery for Adolescents
Adults are not the only ones seeking cosmetic
surgery in greater numbers. Adolescents are also
looking to surgical intervention to change their
appearance. Center for Human Appearance psychologists
help ensure that a young person pursuing a cosmetic
procedure is an appropriate candidate for the
procedure and has realistic expectations.
“We
help them know what they can expect, how their
appearance will change and how others may react
to the change,” says Dr. Crerand. Because
cosmetic procedures are elective, it is important
for individuals, especially adolescents, to have
a good understanding of the risks, benefits,
and long-term consequences associated with surgically
altering their appearance.
|
