Though it has similarities with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders, BDD is classified as its own separate disorder. It affects roughly 1 in 50 people, mostly women. That’s approximately 2%-3% of the population, making it as common as bipolar disorder — yet, scientists know relatively little about the biology behind the disease, and only about 15% of those with BDD are diagnosed correctly. BDD overlaps with OCD in numerous ways. Most importantly, both disorders are characterized by excessive preoccupations and obsessions that are difficult to resist or control. Phillips explained that, in both disorders, repetitive thoughts trigger compulsive behaviors, which are intended to reduce the distress caused by the thoughts. The key difference, she said,, is that BDD focuses on perceived defects in appearance, whereas OCD can focus on numerous other kinds of obsessions. Another key difference is that people with BDD are more likely to think their belief is really true (I really am ugly); whereas, those with OCD may be afraid that if they don’t check the stove 30 times the house will burn down, but most don’t really believe the house will burn down. Significantly, BDD is associated with more depression, suicidal thinking, suicide attempts and substance abuse than OCD.