People who suffer from BDD are typically obsessed with their face, skin or hair, but can be haunted by any part of the body. Knowledge about the disorder in the medical community and the general public may help doctors, sufferers and their families identify the symptoms and seek help, Phillips says. Sufferers sometimes do not turn to psychiatrists because they attribute their obsession to their actual appearance, not their perception. Before visiting Phillips, Jennifer had seen 15 dermatologists, most of whom had refused her treatment. The severity of BDD varies.
Some sufferers obsess about perceived flaws from the moment they wake up.
They check mirrors frequently, perform lengthy and elaborate grooming rituals before leaving the house, and frequently seek plastic surgery. Others are prisoners in their own homes, refusing to work, socialize, or even be seen in public. Cases documented in The Broken Mirror include people who missed family weddings, birthday parties and funerals because of their fears. Most sufferers think about their appearance more than three hours a day. In extreme cases, they have committed suicide.