What are the symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder?

What are the symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder?

People with body dysmorphic disorder have inaccurate views of themselves. This can cause them to avoid others, or lead them to harmful behaviors or to repeated surgeries to correct problems they think they have.

Some of the warning signs that a person may have body dysmorphic disorder include the following:

• Preoccupation with one or more defects or flaws in physical appearance that cannot be seen by others, or that appear slight to others.
• Engaging in repetitive and time-consuming behaviors, such as looking in a mirror, picking at the skin, and trying to hide or cover up the defect.
• Constantly asking for reassurance that the defect is not visible or too obvious.
• Having problems at work or school or in relationships because the person cannot stop focusing on the defect.
• Feeling self-conscious and not wanting to go out in public, or feeling anxious when around other people.
• Repeatedly consulting with medical specialists, such as plastic surgeons or dermatologists, to find ways to improve his or her appearance.