Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder is a disorder that is in the same family as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, for those that suffer from body dysmorphic disorder, there is a preoccupation with perceived physical flaws. The key word here is, “perceived”. In many cases, these perceived flaws are barely recognized or observed by others. Unfortunately, these perceived physical flaws cause the individual to believe they look abnormal, unattractive, hideous, or even monstrous.

Areas of preoccupation include, but are not limited to one’s skin, hair, nose, teeth, chin, eyebrows, and breasts. If one’s area of focus is their skin, they may be preoccupied with the appearance of acne, wrinkles, lines, scars, or paleness. If one’s area of focus is their hair, they may be concerned with thinning hair, or excessive body and facial hair. Any feature of one’s physical body can be of focus. In fact, asymmetry of features can be the preoccupation. The term preoccupation within the definition of this disorder is not merely wishing one looked differently. Those that suffer from this disorder have repetitive and intrusive thoughts about the features they are preoccupied with. On average, the preoccupation with these features typically takes up anywhere from three to eight hours of one’s day. 

As a result of one’s preoccupation, an individual will be motivated to repetitively and excessively engage in behaviors to manage the perceived flaw. These behaviors do not provide relief to the individual, and most often contribute to feelings of anxiety and dysphoria. These behaviors include, but are not limited to comparing one’s area of focus to other people, camouflaging the area of focus with makeup or articles of clothing if applicable, checking one’s area of focus in mirrors or reflective surfaces, touching the area of focus, and seeking reassurance about the appearance of the area of focus. If one is preoccupied with the paleness of their skin, they may tan excessively as an effort to combat their perceived paleness. If one is preoccupied with the appearance of acne, they may tend to pick at their skin as an attempt to improve the appearance. The behavior, as stated, will be excessive, often to the point of rupturing blood vessels or causing infection.

Body dysmorphic disorder causes significant impairment in one’s ability to function within their daily life. Often those that suffer are under an extreme amount of distress as a result. If one experiences these symptoms, and the area of focus is one’s weight or fat distribution, it is important to rule out the possibility of an eating disorder as opposed to body dysmorphic disorder.  

If you would like to speak to a professional counselor or psychologist about body dysmorphia or your own perceived physical flaws and reside in Illinois, please feel free to contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 West 167^th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477.

Hillary R.,

Masters Level Intern, 2024

Sources –

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. (2013). American Psychiatric Association.