Introduction & Theoretical Background
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a condition characterized by preoccupation with perceived flaws or faults in physical appearance that are not noticeable or appear insignificant to others.
People with BDD might attempt to camouflage or change their perceived flaws, avoid situations that increase their distress, or perform repetitive behaviors, (e.g., mirror checking or reassurance seeking) and mental acts (e.g., comparing their appearance with that of others) in response to their self-consciousness.
Research suggests that BDD is experienced by between 1 and 3 people out of every 100 (Hartmann et al., 2017).
The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for BDD (APA, 2013) include:
- A preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others.
- The performance of repetitive behaviors (e.g., mirror checking, excessive grooming, skin picking, reassurance seeking) or mental acts (e.g., comparing his or her appearance with that of others) in response to the appearance concerns.
- Clinically