What Is Dysmorphophobia?

Dysmorphophobia, or the fear of deformity, is the condition now known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). BDD is a somatoform disorder in which people imagine and focus on perceived bodily imperfections.​

Body dysmorphophobia (BDD) is a broad term that encompasses multiple specific fears. Some people are afraid of becoming deformed or disfigured; others fear those who have a disfiguring condition. Some expectant parents worry that their child will be born with a deformity.

Symptoms of Dysmorphophobia

People with dysmorphophobia often experience intrusive thoughts related to a perceived deformity or a fear of one. For example, they might become excessively concerned or distressed about a scar or mole. Such thoughts not only intrude unexpectedly but also lead to significant distress and changes in behavior. 

Some signs and symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Avoidance of certain situations
• Compulsive behaviors
• Depression
• Discomfort
• Attempts to hide or disguise the perceived flaw
• Tendency to compare with others
• Dissatisfaction with cosmetic procedures intended to "fix" the flaw
• Constant need for reassurance from others

Diagnosis of Dysmorphophobia

An Italian psychiatrist first described dysmorphophobia in 1891. This condition was first included in the third edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" but was later changed to body dysmorphic disorder in a later revision. 

Your doctor will assess your symptoms and rule out other conditions before diagnosing dysmorphophobia. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms include:

• Eating disorders
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Social anxiety disorder
  

Causes of Dysmorphophobia

The causes of dysmorphophobia are not fully understood, but several factors are believed to play a role. These include:

• Bullying
• Brain abnormalities
• Genetic predisposition
• Low self-esteem
• Social relationships
• Societal and media influences
• Trauma and abuse
• Triggering events

Body dysmorphic disorder commonly co-occurs with other mental health conditions. For example, studies have found that around 60% of people with BDD also develop an anxiety disorder at some point during their lives.

Types of Dysmorphophobia

Body dysmorphic disorder usually involves some common areas of concern, although it can focus on specific parts of the body. More general worries about imperfections and the fear of deformity are common, too. Symptoms often center on:

• Breasts
• Facial features
• Genitals
• Hair on the body or head
• Nose size
• Skin imperfections such as acne, freckles, scars, and wrinkles
• Thighs
  

A lack of understanding can increase the fear of other people's deformities and disfigurements. Some disfigurements are caused by communicable diseases such as leprosy. Although these diseases are now readily treatable, they have been stigmatized for centuries.

Treatment for Dysmorphophobia

People who have dysmorphophobia commonly seek treatment from plastic surgeons, dermatologists, dentists, hairstylists, and other professionals rather than mental health providers to fix their perceived physical problems. 

However, treatments are available that can relieve the symptoms of BDD. If you develop an unhealthy obsession with your appearance or that of a loved one, seek professional assistance.

Like most phobias, dysmorphophobia responds well to a variety of mental health treatments. Left untreated, the phobia can worsen, gradually limiting your daily life and preventing you from connecting with others.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one approach frequently used to treat body dysmorphic disorder. CBT helps people learn how to identify the automatic negative thoughts that contribute to their fears of deformity and imperfections. Once they recognize these thoughts, they then practice finding ways to replace those thoughts with more positive, realistic ones.

Medications

Health practitioners sometimes prescribe medications to help with symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder. These may include antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which have been shown to help reduce some symptoms of BDD. These tend to be most effective when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Coping With Dysmorphophobia

If you are experiencing symptoms of dysmorphophobia, there are things that you can do that may make it easier to cope. Some strategies you might try include:

• Avoid comparing yourself to others: Although it might be difficult, stop making social comparisons so you feel less fixated on your own body. Look for ways to reframe your thoughts in more positive ways.
• Practice relaxation strategies: Finding ways to relax and care for yourself can help reduce the stress associated with dysmorphophobia. Strategies such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness may be helpful.
• Practice positive self-talk: Rather than focusing on negative evaluations of yourself, make it a point to notice your positive qualities. When unhelpful, critical thoughts pop up, turn your attention to more helpful ones.
• Focus on acceptance: No matter your appearance, you should focus on practicing self-acceptance. Work on accepting others as they are. By being less critical of others, you might become less critical of yourself, too. Show compassion to yourself and others.

A Word From Verywell

Dysmorphophobia is often relieved through exposure and experience. When these fears center on deformities and disfigurement, learning more about them can help lessen symptoms of fear and anxiety.

For people experiencing body dysmorphic disorder, treatment is important to relieve the distress and intrusive thoughts that can interfere with normal function.