What is Body Dysmrphic Disorder?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is defined as the preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance or a markedly excessive concern with a minor anomaly. BDD does not include anorexia nervosa or bulimia, or perceived inappropriateness of sex characteristics, as in gender identity disorder.
In general sufferers tend to be concerned with the aspects of the face such as ears, nose and hair as well as the sex organs.
Anxiety UK have produced the following as a self diagnostic test though this should only be used as a guide and professional advice should always be sought if you believe to be suffering from BDD.
Self Diagnostic Test
If you can answer YES to most of the following questions it is likely that you are affected by the condition.
Over the past 6 months:
- Have you felt disgusted by a particular aspect of your body?
- Do you feel that a part of your body is abnormal?
- Do you spend a lot of time examining/scrutinising your appearance?
- Do you avoid looking at yourself in mirrors, windows etc.?
- Do you feel that other people are looking at your appearance or are disgusted by it?
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