BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder, or body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition where you spend a lot of time worrying about your appearance.
You may have body dysmorphic disorder if you worry a lot about how a specific part of your body looks and it affects your daily life.
Treatments for body dysmorphic disorder include talking therapies and antidepressants.
The exact cause of body dysmorphic disorder is unclear. It's been linked to genes, chemical changes in the brain and traumatic past experiences.
You might have BDD if you:
- worry a lot about a specific area of your body (particularly your face).
- spend a lot of time comparing your looks with other people's.
- look at yourself in mirrors a lot or avoid mirrors altogether.
- go to a lot of effort to conceal flaws – for example, by spending a long time combing your hair, applying make-up or choosing clothes.
- pick at your skin to make it "smooth".
BDD can seriously affect your daily life, including your work, social life and relationships.
BDD can also lead to depression, self-harm and even thoughts of suicide.
Treatments
Local or national support groups and mindfulness exercises can help you cope if you have body dysmorphic disorder.
Support groups for BDD:
Some people may find it helpful to contact or join a support group for information, advice and practical tips on coping with BDD.
You can ask your doctor if there are any groups in your area, and the BDD Foundation has a directory of local and online BDD support groups.
You may also find the following organisations to be useful sources of information and advice:
Mental wellbeing:
Practising mindfulness exercises may help you if you're feeling low or anxious.
Some people also find it helpful to get together with friends or family, or to try doing something new to improve their mental wellbeing.
It may also be helpful to try some relaxation and breathing exercises to relieve stress and anxiety.
