Rogers Memorial Hospital

The primary body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) symptom is an obsessive preoccupation with a perceived defect in one's physical appearance, which is greatly exaggerated or completely imagined. The fears are most frequently focused on the appearance of the head and face, but may involve any body part.

Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms go beyond normal concern with one's appearance, and may significantly impair academic and professional functioning, as well as interpersonal relationships. In extreme cases, an individual experiencing body dysmorphic disorder symptoms may completely shun any contact with people in an effort to avoid having the perceived defect observed by others.

Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms may involve the following body parts:

• Moles and freckles being too large or noticeable
• Acne
• Minor scars or skin aberrations
• Too much facial or body hair
• Too little hair on the head
• Size and/or shape of the nose or eyes
• Size and/or shape of the genitalia
• Size and/or shape of the feet
• Breast size
• Muscles being too small
• Overall size, shape and/or symmetry of the face or another body part

Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms may include:

• Repetitive checking of a minor or perceived flaw in mirrors or avoidance of mirrors
• Avoidance of having a picture taken
• Repetitive grooming activities such as shaving, combing hair, etc.
• Repetitive checking, touching and/or measuring of a minor or imagined defect
• Wearing excessive make-up to camouflage a minor or imagined flaw
• Wearing certain clothes to camouflage a minor or imagined defect
• Multiple medical visits, especially to dermatologists
• Multiple medical procedures in an effort to correct or eradicate a minor or imagined flaw (e.g., plastic surgery).

If you know someone who may require treatment for body dysmorphic disorder, contact Rogers Memorial Hospital at 1-800-767-4411 for an initial needs assessment.