Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often unnoticeable to others.

People of any age can have BDD, but it is most common in teenagers and young adults. It affects both men and women.H aving BDD does not mean you are vain or self-obsessed. It can be very upsetting and have a big impact on your life.

You might have BDD if you:

• worry a lot about a specific area of your body (particularly your face)
• spend a lot of time comparing your looks with other people’s
• look at yourself in mirrors a lot or avoid mirrors altogether
• go to a lot of effort to conceal flaws – for example, by spending a long time combing your hair, applying make-up or choosing clothes
• pick at your skin to make it “smooth”

BDD can seriously affect your daily life, including your work, social life and relationships. BDD can also lead todepression,self-harmand even thoughts of suicide.

For further information about symptoms and treatment, please visit the NHS website that this page has been taken from: