Body Dysmorphic Disorder

It may be hard to notice some of the signs and symptoms of BDD. However, noticing a significant change in grades, a decrease in social activities, or a desire to not want to leave the house may provide some clues about your child’s underlying mental health issue.

Signs and Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

It is normal for children to be occasionally concerned with their appearance. However, it is also important to note that not all appearance concerns in adolescents are normal or a passing phase. If your child has an extreme preoccupation or obsession with their appearance, then they may have BDD.

Typical signs and symptoms of BDD include:

• Often scrutinizing the appearance of others and comparing their appearance with others
• Often checking their appearance
• Hiding the flaw with clothing, makeup, their hand, or posture
• Seeking surgery, dermatological treatment, or other medical treatment, when doctors or other people have said the flaw is minimal and treatment is not needed
• Often asking others about the flaw or trying to convince others of its ugliness
• Excessive grooming (for example, combing hair, shaving, removing or cutting hair, or applying makeup)
• Avoiding mirrors
• Often touching the disliked body part to check its shape, size, or other characteristics
• Picking their skin to try to improve its appearance
• Measuring the disliked body part
• Excessively reading about the flaw and how to make it look better
• Exercising or dieting excessively
• Using drugs (for example, anabolic steroids) to become more muscular or lose fat
• Changing their clothes often to try to find something that makes them look better
• Avoiding social situations in which the flaw might be exposed
• Feeling very anxious and self-conscious around other people because of the flaw

Treatment

Treatment options for BDD can help to lower the impact that the disorder has on a child’s life. Treatment may reduce appearance preoccupations and compulsive behaviors, lessen emotional distress, and improve depression. It may also help children feel better about how they look, function better, and lead a happier and more productive life.