Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) causes people to believe that parts of their body look ugly. People with BDD spend hours focused on what they think is wrong with their looks. Many times a day, they do things to check, fix, cover up, or ask others about their looks. They focus on flaws that seem minor to others.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
People with BDD:
Focus to extreme on their looks. With BDD, people find it hard to stop thinking about the parts of their looks they dislike. They focus on specific things — like a pimple on their skin, or the shape or looks of their nose, eyes, lips, ears, or hands.
Feel upset about their looks. People with BDD feel worried, stressed, and anxious about their looks almost all the time.
Check or fix their looks. With BDD, a people feel the strong need to check their looks over and over. For example, they check their looks in a mirror, ask others how they look, or "fix" their looks many times a day.
Try not to be seen. Some people with BDD feel so bad about their looks they don't want to be seen. They may stay home, keep to themselves, or use makeup, hats, or clothes to cover up. Some people with BDD avoid looking in mirrors because it is so stressful.
Have a false image of their looks. People with BDD don't see their body as it really is, or as others see it. The flaws they focus on are things that others can hardly notice. They feel sure they look ugly, even though it's not true.
How Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder Diagnosed?
A trained mental health therapist who understands BDD can diagnose it. They ask questions and listen carefully to the answers to know if a person has BDD or another disorder.
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