Body dysmorphic disorder
Also called: BDD and body dysmorphia
A mental illness involving obsessive focus on a perceived flaw in appearance.
- Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging not required
- Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
The flaw may be minor or imagined. But the person may spend hours a day trying to fix it. The person may try many cosmetic procedures or exercise to excess.
Common: More than 200,000 US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
People also ask
What are 5 symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder?
Symptoms of BDD include:
Constantly checking yourself in the mirror.
Avoiding mirrors.
Trying to hide your body part under a hat, scarf, or makeup.
Constantly exercising or grooming.
Constantly comparing yourself with others.
Always asking other people whether you look OK.
How do people with BDD see themselves?
Feeling shame or disgust about your body or appearance, especially the specific things you think are problems. Some of the most common words people with BDD use to describe themselves or parts of their body include “ugly,” “hideous,” “deformed,” “abnormal,” “defective” or “unattractive.”
Is body dysmorphia OCD?
Sounds like OCD, doesn't it? Sure. But it's not. Although there are clearly many similarities between OCD and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), the two are in fact quite different and treatment needs to reflect that.
Does body dysmorphia affect how you see yourself?
If you have body dysmorphic disorder, you may feel as if there's a huge gap between your perception of your body and what your family and friends tell you. Even though you view certain aspects of your appearance as abnormal or ugly, the reality is others don't see you the same way.
Dec 13, 2022 · This mental disorder causes persistent, intense focus, shame and anxiety over perceived body defects, often resulting in many cosmetic ...
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NHS information and advice about body dysmorphic disorder (BDD or body dysmorphia), including what the symptoms are and what can help.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health problem. If you have BDD, you may be so upset about the appearance of your body that it gets in the way of ...
Apr 13, 2024 · BDD has similarities to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); however, there are some important distinctions. Like OCD, people with BDD have ...
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), also known as dysmorphophobia, is a severe psychiatric disorder that occurs around the world. However, the diagnosis is ...
Body dysmorphic disorder, also known as body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition. It affects how you see and feel about your body and appearance.
BDD usually starts in the teenage years, when concern over physical appearance is common. Treatment includes cognitive behaviour therapy and antidepressant ...
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), also known in some contexts as dysmorphophobia, is a mental disorder defined by an overwhelming preoccupation with a ...
Finally, we discuss treatment approaches that appear efficacious for BDD, with a focus on serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and cognitive-behavioral therapy.