Body dysmorphic disorder

Key Takeaways

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder in which a person becomes excessively preoccupied with one or more perceived defects or flaws in their appearance. These flaws may be minor or imagined, and can cause significant emotional distress. People with BDD may go to great lengths to hide their appearance from others, and often have low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. The cause of BDD is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.