Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Definition and Diagnosis

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric illness characterized by extreme preoccupation and distress with a part, or parts, of one’s body believed to be defective in some way. This “defect” is often imperceptible to others or, if noticeable, only very slight. Individuals with BDD believe themselves to be immensely unattractive and may use such terms to describe themselves as “ugly,” “deformed,” and “grotesque.” As a result of their perceived ugliness, people with BDD will go to great lengths to conceal or modify their appearance (e.g., excessive grooming, camouflaging) or avoid situations altogether, fearing negative judgment from others if their “true selves” were to be revealed. Concerns are often focused on parts of the face (e.g., skin, nose, teeth, lips, chin) but can be about any body part or area (e.g., breasts, genitals, hairline, symmetry, proportions). People may be concerned about multiple body parts at the same time, or their preoccupation...