Body Dysmorphic Disorder

DisclaimerThis page is not here to be used as a self-diagnosis, self-identification, or promotion - it's simply here to be informational. Whether or not one self-diagnoses, self-identifies, and/or seeks a professional diagnosis is up to them.Body ImageThe following page includes discussions of body image, including starving oneself, binging and purging, exaggerated self-analysis, and body dysphoria. If you are uncomfortable or get triggered by this topic, it is recommended to not read this page.Self-HermThe following page includes discussions of self-harm and suicide. If you are uncomfortable or get triggered by this topic, it is recommended to not read this page.

**Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)**, or **Body Dysmorphia**, is a mental health condition in which an individual spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance. Having BDD does not make one vain or self-obsessed. BDD can seriously affect ones daily life, including work, social life and relationships. BDD can also lead to depression, self-harm, and thoughts of suicide.

## Signs & Symptoms

* Being extremely preoccupied with a perceived flaw in appearance that others can't see or appears minor.
* Strong belief that one has a defect in their appearance that makes them ugly or deformed.
* Belief that others take special notice of their appearance in a negative way or to mock them.
* Engaging in behaviors aimed at fixing or hiding the perceived flaw that are difficult to resist or control.
* Attempting to hide perceived flaws with styling, makeup or clothes.
* Constantly comparing ones appearance with others.
* Frequently seeking reassurance about their appearance from others.
* Having perfectionist tendencies.
* Seeking cosmetic procedures with little satisfaction.
* Avoiding social situations.

The most common areas of concern for individuals with BDD include:

* **Skin imperfections**: These include wrinkles, scars, acne, and blemishes.
* **Hair**: This might include head or body hair or absence of hair.
* **Facial features**: Very often this involves the nose, but it might also involve the shape and size of any feature.
* **Body weight**: Individuals may obsess about their weight or muscle tone.

Other areas of concern include the size of the penis, muscles, breasts, thighs, buttocks, and the presence of certain body odors.

## Causes

It's not known specifically what causes body dysmorphic disorder. Like many other mental health conditions, body dysmorphic disorder may result from a combination of issues, such as family history of the disorder, negative evaluations or experiences about ones body or self-image, and abnormal brain function or abnormal levels of serotonin.

Other factors that might influence the development of or trigger body dysmorphic disorder include:

* Experience of traumatic events or emotional conflict during childhood.
* Low self-esteem.
* Parents and others who are critical of the individual's appearance.
* Pressure from peers and a society that equates physical appearance with beauty and value.

## BDD and Eating Disorders

BDD and some eating disorders share similar symptoms, such as:

* Having a poor body image.
* Worrying excessively about ones physical appearance.
* Developing compulsive behavior to try to deal with these worries.

However, BDD and eating disorders are not the same. When an individual is experiencing an eating disorder like anorexia nervosa, they are mainly concerned about their weight and shape. Someone experiencing BDD is likely to experience other concerns about body image, such as particular facial features.

Some individuals with BDD experience an eating disorder, but not all individuals with eating disorders have BDD.

## References

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-body-dysmorphic-disorder

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/body-dysmorphia/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd/symptoms/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder