Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a pseudo-illness characterised by a preoccupation of an imagined bodily defect. Patients initially present concerns about their hair or skin. The psychopathology is the perception that a flaw or imperfection exists. The patient may be convinced that a part of their body or their hair is abnormal and imagine imperfections. Women are affected more commonly than men by body dysmorphic disorder. The age of onset is between 15 and 20 years.

Many such patients often suffer from depression and a social phobia since they think about their perceived flaws every day. They cannot control their negative emotions and thoughts, and it generally leads to dysmorphic disorder meaning emotional distress and interference in their lives.