How to Recognize Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder is a common disorder that affects about one percent of the population. Since it isn't well known, people often have difficulty recognizing its symptoms and victims have trouble accepting diagnosis of the disorder. Follow these steps to recognize body dysmorphic disorder.

Instructions

• 1

  Know that a person suffering with body dysmorphic disorder thinks of themselves as horribly ugly. They may actually be very attractive but they don't perceive themselves that way.

• 2

  Realize a person with this disorder is constantly checking his appearance in the mirror. He often refuses to have pictures taken.

• 3

  Notice that this person may seek cosmetic surgery, but is never satisfied with the results. She may also develop time-consuming grooming rituals.

• 4

  Recognize that a person with this disorder will often avoid social situations to the point of becoming homebound. They seek constant reassurance regarding their perceived defect and want others to agree with them.

• 5

  Note that a sufferer will often be obsessed with muscles, baldness, breast size, acne, freckles and moles, facial shape, size of genitals, minor scars or body hair. They frequently assess their perceived defect and compare it to others.