Most people care about how they look and worry about certain insecurities, but body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a serious mental health condition that impacts your daily life. If you have BDD, concerns about your appearance feel consuming and even obsessive.

However, BDD symptoms are not always obvious or straightforward, which is why it's so important to recognize the more subtle signs. What may seem like typical self-consciousness or vanity might actually be part of a deeper, more painful cycle.

Classic Signs You Have Body Dysmorphic Disorder

BDD is classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, as people with this condition experience both obsessions and compulsions when it comes to their appearance.

The main symptoms of BDD include:

• frequently checking yourself in the mirror or avoiding mirrors altogether

• excessive grooming or skin picking

• seeking constant reassurance from others about your appearance

• avoiding social situations and/or experiencing symptoms of social anxiety disorder due to how you look

• engaging in compulsive behaviors like wearing makeup, hats, or baggy clothing to hide perceived flaws

• having a co-occurring mental health disorder, particularly an eating disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

  
  

Lesser-Known Signs of BDD

BDD symptoms vary in type and severity; many people experience signs that go under the radar or are misattributed to general low self-esteem. Here are a few that often get missed:

You Justify Your Obsessions Because You "Know" You're Ugly or Unattractive

Many people automatically dismiss the reality of body dysmorphic disorder with a common question like, How do I know if it's BDD or if I'm just ugly?

But body dysmorphia isn't about objective beauty standards or ranking how you compare to others. People with all body types and appearance concerns are susceptible to this mental health condition. It’s not about how you actually look—it’s about how you feel you look.

You Assume Certain Cosmetic Procedures Will "Give" You What You Want

9.5 million Botox procedures were conducted in the last year alone. Cosmetic surgery rates have skyrocketed over the past decade, with research suggesting that body dissatisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of interest in elective procedures.

But truly managing BDD isn’t about altering your physical appearance. Although it’s absolutely possible to experience some temporary relief or confidence after a procedure, these effects tend to be short-lived. Soon after, people start obsessing over the next perceived flaw. Or, even if you do start liking your appearance more, it may not translate into lasting self-worth.

You Are Judgmental of How Others Look

People with BDD tend to be highly self-critical—and that critical lens often gets projected onto others. You may find yourself judging other people’s appearances harshly, not out of malice, but because your mind is so focused on identifying flaws. This hyper-awareness can make social interactions stressful or uncomfortable, especially if you compare yourself to others frequently.

You Feel Dirty, Gross, or Like Something is Wrong With You

People with BDD will often use these terms to describe how they feel about their appearance. For example, if you overeat one day, you might lament about how gross you feel in your body. Or, if you have a few pimples, you might feel dirty and unattractive around others.

These feelings are rooted in shame and internalized self-loathing. They have less to do with your actual appearance and more to do with a distorted internal perception.

You Feel Preoccupied with Healthy Eating or Working Out

It's well-known that male eating disorders tend to be undetected and misunderstood. While women with eating disorders often want to get smaller, some men experience a fear of being too small or weak.

This is because men may reconcile poor body image or low self-esteem by fixating on gym routines or "clean" eating. This can evolve into muscle dysmorphia—a subtype of BDD—where someone becomes obsessed with appearing more muscular, even if they are already quite fit. This cycle can lead to excessive exercise, restrictive eating, steroid abuse, and social withdrawal.

Your Appearance Causes You to Feel Extremely Depressed or Suicidal

Severe BDD can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. That’s because the distress people feel over their perceived defects can feel catastrophic. The compulsive behaviors, like checking mirrors or grooming, may become so time-consuming that they interfere with work, relationships, and day-to-day living.

If your thoughts about your appearance are causing significant emotional pain or hopelessness, it may time to seek support from a mental health professional.

Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Other Mental Disorders at Resurface Group

At Resurface Group, we understand the significant distress that BDD symptoms can cause in your everyday life. Treating BDD often requires a multifaceted approach, including individual therapy, group therapy, and holistic practices that allow you to reconnect with your mind and body in healthier ways.

Managing body dysmorphic disorder is possible. With the right support, you can learn to challenge your inner critic and disengage from frustrating repetitive behaviors.

Please contact us today to learn more about our unique programs!