mental health disorders
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Introduction
In body dysmorphic disorder, a preoccupation with one or more nonexistent or slight defects in appearance results in significant distress and/or impairs functioning. People typically spend hours a day worrying about their perceived defects, which may involve any body part. Doctors diagnose the disorder when preoccupations with perceived defects in one's appearance (which in reality are nonexistent or only slight) cause significant distress or interfere with functioning. Certain antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors orclomipramine) and cognitive-behavioral therapy often help. People with body dysmorphic disorder believe they have one or more flaws or defects in their physical appearance that in reality are nonexistent or slight. They repeatedly do certain things (such as checking themselves in a mirror, excessively grooming themselves, or comparing themselves with others) because they are so concerned about their perceived appearance flaws. Body dysmorphic disorder usually begins during adolescence and may be somewhat more common among women. About 2 to 3% of people have the disorder. 