Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition in which a person becomes intensely preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance. The features may be minor or not noticeable to other people, but the distress is real and can seriously affect daily life. BDD is not vanity and can affect people of any gender or age.
Common signs
- spending a great deal of time worrying about one or more areas of appearance
- repeatedly checking mirrors or avoiding them
- comparing appearance with other people
- seeking frequent reassurance but remaining unconvinced
- trying to hide or change the perceived flaw with clothing, make-up, grooming or procedures
- skin picking or repeated touching and measuring
- avoiding social situations, photographs, work or education
BDD can occur alongside depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or an eating disorder. It can also lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Assessment
A healthcare or mental health professional will ask about appearance concerns, repeated behaviours, distress, daily functioning and safety. The aim is not to judge whether an appearance concern is justified, but to understand how much time and suffering it causes. Cosmetic treatment usually does not resolve BDD because the underlying problem remains.
Treatment
BDD can improve with appropriate care. Evidence-based options include cognitive behavioural therapy adapted for BDD, often using exposure and response prevention, and antidepressant medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Treatment depends on symptom severity, personal preference, age and other health needs.
Do not stop an antidepressant suddenly. Any change should be planned with the prescriber. More severe or persistent symptoms may require a specialist service.
Supporting recovery
Following the treatment plan, reducing appearance-checking rituals gradually with professional support and limiting online content that intensifies comparison may help. Friends and family can listen without dismissing the distress, while avoiding repeated reassurance that unintentionally maintains the cycle.
Urgent help
Get immediate help if you may harm yourself, cannot keep yourself safe or have made a suicide plan. Contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. If possible, tell a trusted person and do not stay alone while help is arranged.
Sources
Reviewed: 28 August 2026