Definition:
A mental health condition where individuals become intensely preoccupied with perceived flaws or defects in their physical appearance—flaws that are either minor or not observable to others.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)—also known as body dysmorphia—is a mental health condition where a person becomes very worried or upset about a part of their appearance, even if other people don’t notice anything wrong.
People with BDD often believe they look ugly, flawed, or deformed, even when others see them as normal or attractive. This worry can take over their daily life and affect their mental health, relationships, school, or work.
Key Signs and Features
🪞 Worrying about appearance:
People with BDD focus on one or more parts of their body that they think look wrong. This could be the skin, hair, nose, face, or muscles (especially in men – this is sometimes called muscle dysmorphia).
🔁 Repetitive behaviors:
To try and “fix” or check the flaw, a person may:
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Look in the mirror a lot, or avoid mirrors altogether
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Pick their skin
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Use a lot of makeup or clothing to hide the flaw
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Constantly ask for reassurance from others
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Compare themselves to others
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Exercise too much
😟 Emotional distress:
BDD can cause anxiety, shame, depression, or even suicidal thoughts. Many people feel stuck or hopeless.
Important Facts
✅ BDD is not about being vain.
It’s a serious mental health disorder that often starts in the teenage years and affects both men and women.
⚠️ Suicidal risk:
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Around 80% of people with BDD have suicidal thoughts.
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About 1 in 4 have attempted suicide.
Getting Help
🧠 Treatment works.
Effective treatments include:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – especially tailored for BDD
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Medication – often antidepressants like SSRIs
👩⚕️ Early support is key.
The sooner someone gets help, the better the outcome. If you or someone you know might have BDD, speak to a doctor, therapist, or mental health support service.
Helpful Resources
Key Features:
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Frequent mirror checking, grooming, or attempts to hide the perceived flaw
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Significant distress and impairment in daily functioning
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May lead to social isolation, anxiety, or depression
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Often co-occurs with other conditions such as OCD or eating disorders
Self-Image and Personality Disorders
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD):
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Self-Image: Inflated or grandiose, often masking deep insecurity
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Behaviors: Seeks admiration, may appear arrogant or self-centered
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Underlying Traits: Fragile self-esteem; hypersensitivity to criticism
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD):
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Self-Image: Unstable and poorly developed sense of self
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Emotional State: Chronic feelings of emptiness, worthlessness, or identity confusion
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Behaviors: Sudden shifts in goals, values, and self-perception
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