Body Dysmorphia

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Body Dysmorphia

What body dysmorphia is

Signs and symptoms

Causes and risk factors

Getting assessed and diagnosed

Support in education

Treatment and recovery

Related guidance

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What body dysmorphia is

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about perceived flaws in their appearance.

These concerns are often unnoticeable to others but can cause severe distress and impact daily life, education, and relationships.

Related guidance

Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Eating Disorders
SEN Wellbeing
PTSD

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Signs and symptoms

Someone with body dysmorphia may:

constantly compare their appearance to others
check mirrors repeatedly or avoid them completely
spend excessive time grooming or seeking reassurance
avoid social situations or being photographed
believe certain body parts are “wrong” or “ugly”
experience depression, anxiety or obsessive thoughts

Check signs of body dysmorphia
Learn how to recognise when appearance worries become a mental health concern.

Causes and risk factors

Body dysmorphia can be caused by a combination of:

low self-esteem or perfectionism
bullying or teasing about appearance
social media or beauty standards
trauma or difficult life events
family history of anxiety or obsessive–compulsive disorder

Early intervention can prevent symptoms from becoming severe.

Learn what can cause body dysmorphia
Understand how genetics, environment and social pressures interact.

Getting assessed and diagnosed

Diagnosis is made by:

a GP or psychiatrist
referral to a mental health specialist
discussion of thought patterns, behaviours and impact on life

Assessment helps rule out related conditions such as OCD, depression, or eating disorders.

Find out how body dysmorphia is assessed and diagnosed

Support in education

Young people with body dysmorphia may:

find school environments, mirrors or uniforms distressing
struggle with attendance, focus or social interactions

Schools can help by:

providing emotional support and trusted adults
promoting healthy body image and self-esteem
offering counselling or CAMHS referrals
allowing adjustments such as uniform flexibility or quiet spaces

Read about mental health and SEN support in schools

Treatment and recovery

Effective treatments include:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focused on body image and obsessive thinking
Medication such as SSRIs (prescribed by a psychiatrist)
Psychoeducation to build self-awareness

Support groups and peer mentoring