Cosmetic clinics overlook mental health in treatments

The cosmetic injectables industry is growing rapidly, but there are concerns about how it affects people's mental health. Many clinics do not check if patients have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a condition where individuals obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance. This oversight can lead to excessive treatments and worsen patients' mental health. Jas Rawlinson is a survivor of body dysmorphic disorder. After hearing negative comments about her facial symmetry during a cosmetic appointment, she felt pressured to get Botox. Her telehealth consultation lasted only a few minutes. Experts worry that these short appointments do not allow enough time for proper assessments of mental health issues. Psychologists like Toni Pikoos emphasize the need for better regulations in the cosmetic industry. They highlight that many patients may not need the treatments they seek. If a doctor suspects a patient has significant psychological issues, they should refer them to a mental health professional. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency is considering new rules for non-medical practitioners, such as nurses, to ensure they also assess patients for body dysmorphic disorder. Author Lucinda Price highlights how societal pressures can lead to these issues. She believes that the blame often falls on individuals rather than the industry driving these unrealistic beauty standards. Research indicates that young women are particularly affected by the beauty industry's pressures. Many feel compelled to seek cosmetic procedures, with popular options including lip fillers and Botox. A significant percentage of young women have considered these options after exposure to beauty-related content on social media. Rawlinson advocates for stricter oversight in the injectables industry. While she still gets Botox, her more careful clinic has improved her experience. Her journey shows the importance of patient care in the booming cosmetic injectables market. She believes that those with vulnerabilities should be especially protected from being taken advantage of by the industry.