By Fugen Neziroglu, PhD
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a preoccupation with a perceived physical defect, and usually causes extreme distress and impairment in one's functioning. BDD is very similar to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) because the individual obsesses and engages in compulsions. As of 2014, it is known to be a disorder related to OCD. It is a serious disorder that affects close to 5 million Americans. Most of these individuals go to dermatologists, or want to seek treatment from cosmetic surgeons. Unfortunately, neither of these specialties bring relief from symptoms. Unless treated, BDD leads 40% of the people to become homebound, 28% to be hospitalized, and nearly 29% to attempt suicide—with some percentage succeeding.
