People with body dysmorphic disorder may:
Men and women with BDD may act in different ways.
There are two main treatments for body dysmorphic disorder:
It's common for people to want to look their best. Many of us spend some time on our clothes and hair, and we take pride in our appearance. But people who have body dysmorphic (say "dis-MOR-fick") disorder (BDD) believe that they look ugly or deformed. So they spend many hours every day worrying about their appearance and trying to hide or fix it.
Life can be very painful if you have BDD. You may feel ashamed of how you look. You may worry that others will reject you. Or you may be afraid that you aren't lovable.
If you have BDD, you may not see that the problem you have with your appearance isn't real. Other people may tell you that you look fine. They may say that they don't even notice your "flaw." But BDD prevents you from believing them. Most people with BDD can't see themselves as they really are.
People with BDD are often so anxious about how they look that they pull away from work and school. They may avoid friends, family, and social activities. They find it very hard to date or have romantic relationships. Some may consider suicide.
The cause of the disorder is not known. But it may be due to a mix of genetics, family behaviors, social factors, and personality traits.
It's important to know that BDD is not your fault. It's a mental health condition that can be treated with medicines and counseling. Treatment can help you see yourself in a more positive way.
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