Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is an obsessive fixation with an imagined defect in one’s physical appearance or an exaggerated concern about a minimal defect which causes a significant disruption in the individual’s life. The concern is mostly concentrated on facial features, hair or odor. It often develops in adolescence and becomes chronic, leading to internal suffering. Often referred to as “imagined ugliness”, it is estimated that 1 in 50 people suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder. 

According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are three major components of BDD. One involves the individual’s constant worry with an imagined defect in their appearance, creating more of an obsession if an actual deformity is present. The second is when the feelings of inadequacy cause significant stress or harm in social, occupational or other areas of functioning. The third requires that the person’s preoccupation with their looks is not related to another mental disorder, such as anorexia nervosa. 

The sufferer may avoid social situations in fear of possible ridicule and being laughed at for their “ugliness”. Instead of seeking help from a psychiatrist, patients will turn to going under the knife, attacking the physical aspect rather than the mental problem. They may frequently consult many doctors, dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons, to rid them of their “disfigurement”. Some may even go as far as undergoing painful and risky procedures for relief, though the symptoms often worsen. Others have been known to try to “fix” their physical anomaly themselves, making it worse or leading to death.