BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a preoccupation with an imagined or a slight defects in appearance. Unfortunately, it is often unrecognized and undiagnosed, since people who suffer from BDD are often reluctant to talk to others about their symptoms due to shame. Several body parts or just one, such as the nose, skin, hair, can be the focus of concern. The BDD suffer, in order to try to control for feeling so “ugly” and “deformed” will often:

• Stay indoors as much as possible
• Camouflage the “defect”
• Have elaborate grooming rituals in order to feel presentable
• Avoid friends and family