Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
बॉडी डिस्मॉर्फ़िक डिसऑर्डर (शक्ल-सूरत की चिंता)
In body dysmorphic disorder, a person becomes preoccupied with one or more perceived defects in appearance — skin, nose, hair, body shape — that look minor or invisible to others.
Repeated mirror checking, comparing and seeking cosmetic procedures rarely bring lasting relief. Psychological treatment does.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Common symptoms
- Hours spent thinking about a perceived flaw
- Checking mirrors repeatedly, or avoiding them completely
- Camouflaging with clothes, make-up or posture
- Constantly comparing with others or asking for reassurance
- Repeated skin picking or grooming
- Avoiding photos, college, work or social events
Causes
- Shares brain mechanisms with OCD
- Teasing about appearance, perfectionism and social media comparison
Risk factors
- OCD or BDD in the family
- Social anxiety and depression
How it is diagnosed
- Assessment of preoccupation, repetitive behaviours and distress
- Gauging how strongly the belief is held and screening for depression and suicide risk
Classification: ICD-10 F45.2 · ICD-11 6B21In ICD-10, BDD is included under hypochondriacal disorder; ICD-11 lists it with obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.
Treatment options
- 1CBT with exposure and response prevention
- 2Antidepressant medicines, often as used for OCD
- 3Caution about cosmetic surgery — it usually does not relieve BDD
Psychotherapy and counselling
- Reducing checking, camouflaging and comparing step by step
- Perceptual retraining: looking at the whole self rather than one feature
Guidance for family
- Avoid repeatedly reassuring about looks; gently redirect
- Take hopelessness seriously
When to see a psychiatrist
- Appearance worries take more than an hour a day
- You are avoiding college, work or people
- Feeling life is not worth living because of appearance — seek help urgently
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Free self-assessment
A short screening in Hindi or English. Private — nothing is saved. Screening does not establish a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Is this just vanity?
No. BDD causes real distress and is a recognised medical condition.
Will cosmetic treatment help?
Usually the worry moves to another feature or remains. Psychological treatment is more effective.
Is BDD related to OCD?
Yes. It is classified with OCD-related disorders and treated with similar methods.
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.