BDD is an intense preoccupation with a perceived flaw in physical appearance which can lead to attempts to change it (plastic surgery) or cover it up, social avoidance, or depression and hopelessness. It is a subtype of OCD.
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and what are the symptoms of BDD?
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Preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others.
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At some point during the course of the disorder, the individual has performed repetitive behaviors (e.g. mirror checking, excessive grooming, skin picking, reassurance seeking) or mental acts like comparing their appearance with others in response to the appearance concerns.
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The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupation or other important areas of functioning.
What are the causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
There is no simple identifiable cause of BDD. However, BDD is more likely to affect someone who has first-degree relatives with OCD. It also has been associated with high rates of childhood neglect and abuse.
