Body dysmorphic disorder
Symptoms
Compulsive mirror checking, glancing in reflective doors, windows and other reflective surfaces.
Alternatively, an inability to look at one's own reflection or photographs of oneself; often the removal of mirrors from the home.
Compulsive skin-touching, especially to measure or feel the perceived defect.
Reassurance-seeking from loved ones.
Social withdrawal and co-morbid depression.
Obsessive viewing of favorite celebrities or models whom the person suffering from BDD wishes to resemble.
Excessive grooming behaviors: picking, combing hair, plucking eyebrows, shaving, etc.
Obsession with plastic surgery or multiple plastic surgeries, with little satisfactory results for the patient.
In extreme cases, patients have attempted to perform plastic surgery on themselves, including liposuction and various implants with disastrous results. Patients have even tried to remove undesired features with a knife or other such tool when the center of the concern is on a point, such as a mole or other such feature in the skin.
