What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

By james

Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky

Article Sources

Medical Expert

More About Us

Most of us are likely to spend some time in the mirror before we go out, especially when on a night out. We generally like to be looking at our best and this will mean grooming and wearing our best clothes. While this much is very reasonable it can get out of control in some instances, with some people becoming irrationally concerned about their appearance.

Some people can develop concerns about their appearance to an extent that it is a serious negative impact on their lives. They can find it hard to function due to anxiety over how they look and, in many cases, their concerns are completely unwarranted. One example of such a condition is body dysmorphic disorder.

1. Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder is a condition where the patient feels very uncomfortable about their physical appearance. It is considered to be a mental health disorder, and it can have a severe impact on the patient’s quality of life. Typical symptoms include the patient constantly thinking about perceived flaws in their appearance.

The patient’s concerns can leave them feeling extremely anxious about being around other people. They can be constantly trying to ‘fix’ their appearance and spend a lot of their time looking in mirrors and seeking reassurances from other people. Treatment is often needed in order for the patient to live a relatively normal lifestyle.