Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance or if a slight physical anomaly is present, the person’s concern is distinctly excessive. This preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
An individual suffering from BDD often engages in rituals such as excessive grooming and mirror-checking, mirror avoiding, reassurance-seeking, skin picking to remove skin imperfections, etc. Often these rituals may last for hours. Social situations, including dating, are routinely avoided because the sufferer fears being laughed at, scrutinized, or rejected.
Typically, BDD begins a gradual onset in the mid-teenage to late teenage years although it can develop earlier or later.
It has been estimated that 1 to 2% of the general population suffers from BDD.
Behavior therapy has shown the most promising evidence for the effectiveness of treating BDD. Medication is also commonly used in conjunction with therapy to help reduce the intensity of the individual’s concerns.