Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
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Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often unnoticeable to others.
People of any age can have BDD, but it’s most common in teenagers and young adults. It affects both men and women.
Having BDD does not mean you’re vain or self-obsessed. It can be very upsetting and have a big impact on your life.
Symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder
You might have body dysmorphic disorder (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...
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