Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition in which a person cant stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often unnoticeable to others, but the person with BDD may take extreme measures such as repeated cosmetic surgical procedures to correct the perceived flaw. BDD can cause significant emotional distress, such as anxiety, sadness, or self-consciousness, and can interfere with daily life. Some common signs and symptoms of BDD include:
- Feeling shame or disgust about your body or appearance, especially the specific things you think are problems.
- Spending a lot of time looking at yourself in mirrors or avoiding mirrors altogether.
- Comparing your appearance to that of others.
- Seeking reassurance from others about your appearance.
- Engaging in repetitive behaviors related to your appearance, such as skin picking or grooming.
Risk factors for BDD include having blood relatives with BDD or obsessive-compulsive disorder, negative life experiences such as childhood teasing, neglect, or abuse, certain personality traits such as perfectionism, societal pressure or expectations of beauty, and having another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. Treatment for BDD typically involves counseling and medicines to help with feelings of discomfort and anxiety.
