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Obsessive-compulsive and related

Body dysmorphic disorder

Intense preoccupation with one or more physical defects that others hardly notice, with repetitive behaviors such as looking in the mirror, comparing oneself, or camouflaging oneself.

Common signs

Checking the mirror a lot or avoiding itComparing oneself and asking for opinionsSeeking repeated cosmetic procedures

Tips

For you

  1. Gradually cut down on checking
  2. Be wary of cosmetic fixes as an answer to the distress
  3. Cognitive behavioural therapy is effective

For family and friends

  1. Don't argue about whether the flaw exists: talk about the distress
  2. Avoid comments about appearance

When to ask for help

  1. If you stop going out because of how you look
  2. If thoughts of death appear: 024

Are you having a really hard time? If you're thinking of harming yourself, call 024 (free, 24 hours) or 112.

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I'm very worried about a flaw in my appearance
2. Others say it's barely noticeable
3. I look in the mirror a lot or avoid looking
4. I compare myself with other people
5. I try to hide that part of my body
6. I ask others whether it shows
7. I have considered or had cosmetic procedures because of it
8. This worry takes up more than an hour a day
Also take the full self-esteem test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)Obsessive-compulsive and relatedHoarding disorderObsessive-compulsive and relatedTrichotillomania (hair-pulling)Obsessive-compulsive and relatedExorcism disorder (scratching the skin)Obsessive-compulsive and related

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.