Why Am I Obsessively Preoccupied With Perceived Defects In My Appearance?

Do you experience a preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others?

Have you performed repetitive behaviors (e.g., mirror checking, excessive grooming, skin picking, reassurance seeking) or mental acts (e.g., comparing his or her appearance with that of others) in response to the appearance concerns?

Does the preoccupation cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have a serious problem with perceived defects in your appearance. Everyone has their insecurities and you may have one or more body parts that you don’t really like. But when the preoccupation becomes an obsession, one may suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). People with BDD can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived flaws in their appearance. It’s a flaw that others don’t notice or that appears minor to them. But people with dysmorphic disorder may feel so embarrassed that they may avoid social interactions. They have an extreme focus on the way they look, they repeatedly check the mirror and seek reassurance. The repetitive behaviors cause impairment.

Based on your answers, you may be displaying one or two symptoms related to an exaggerated preoccupation with perceived flaws in your appearance. It may be important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. The symptoms may be related to a condition called ‘body dysmorphic disorder’, in which someone has an intense preoccupation with the way he/she looks and shows repetitive behaviors that can cause distress and impairment. The disorder usually doesn’t get better on its own, and if left untreated it gets worse over time.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have body dysmorphic disorder. Seeking medical help is highly recommended. You may be intensively preoccupied with the way you look or you have an extreme focus on perceived body flaws. You may seek out multiple cosmetic procedures to try to fix the perceived flaw(s). The feeling of satisfaction may only be temporarily, and over time anxiety returns. Because the disorder usually doesn’t get better on its own, it is very important to receive the right treatment. If left untreated, it can cause anxiety, medical bills, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.