Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Recognizing the signs of BDD

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in physical appearance. Unlike general dissatisfaction with one's looks, BDD involves intense focus on defects that are either invisible to others or appear minor to observers. This preoccupation can consume hours of a person's time, leading to repetitive checking behaviors, intense anxiety, shame, and the avoidance of social situations.

According to the DSM-5-TR, the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, BDD is classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. The condition is estimated to affect approximately 2% of the adult population and often manifests before the age of 18. Despite its impact on daily life, the disorder frequently remains underdiagnosed.