Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Body dysmorphic dis order (BDD) is a mental illness in which those affected are intensely preoccupied with one or more supposed “flaws” in their appearance. These “flaws” are often not even visible to others or appear completely inconspicuous – for the person affected, however, they are extremely distressing and take up a lot of space in their thoughts and everyday life.

People with BDD have the feeling that something is “wrong” with their body, face or a certain body part – for example, that their nose is too big, their skin too blemished or their penis too small. This negative body image often leads to constant self-observation, avoidance of social contact, feelings of shame and a severely limited sense of self-worth.

Although BDD is a psychological disorder, many sufferers do not seek psychological help first, but instead turn to specialists in cosmetic surgery or intimate surgery in the hope of being able to “operate away” the problem. However, surgery alone cannot solve the underlying psychological burden – on the contrary: even after the procedure, sufferers often continue to be dissatisfied with their appearance or shift their concerns to other parts of their body.

BDD can affect both men and women and often begins in adolescence or young adulthood. The condition is treatable – primarily through psychotherapy, e.g. cognitive behavioral therapy, in which you learn to perceive your own body more realistically and benevolently.