Body Dysmorphic Disorder Statistics, Facts, And Characteristics

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that causes a person to become excessively worried about perceived flaws in one’s own appearance and body features. These perceived flaws are often unnoticeable or only slightly observable to others, but to someone with BDD symptoms, their body image may seem distorted and even ugly. 

BDD can severely affect a person's quality of life and cause significant distress, social anxiety, or other mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder or social anxiety disorder.

BDD or body dysmorphic disorder affects all genders, as well as people across various age groups and cultural backgrounds. However, you may be wondering about specific statistics about the disorder. Continue reading to learn about body dysmorphic disorder statistics, facts, and other important information. Knowing the scale of body dysmorphic disorder and its effects can not only spread awareness but help people find professional help who can provide the treatment and support they need. 

About body dysmorphia

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness associated with obsessive thoughts about one’s physical appearance and body parts. Previously, a BDD diagnosis was classified as a psychotic disorder. Today, it is associated more closely with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with similar psychiatric disorders. 

According to Katherine Phillips, a body dysmorphia expert, “BDD-related psychotic symptoms – i.e., delusional beliefs about appearance defects or BDD-related delusions of reference – reflect the presence of BDD rather than a psychotic disorder.” 

Body dysmorphic disorder statistics and prevalence

BDD is a mental health condition that affects a significant portion of the general population. By looking at the statistics and how widespread BDD is, we might gain an improved understanding of the effects of this disorder on people's lives while increasing awareness about its prevalence. BDD affects approximately 1.7% to 2.9% of the general population, translating to between 5 million to nearly 10 million people in the United States.

Here are some statistics about the prevalence of BDD:

• Studies indicate that in a typical community, around 1.9% of adults have BDD. This rate increases in psychiatric settings, where between 5.8% to 7.4% of individuals are estimated to have BDD.

• Adolescents are not immune to BDD. Studies show that 2.2% of teens may be living with this disorder.

• Certain groups of people, like students or those seeking cosmetic treatments, have even higher rates of BDD. In some studies, up to 20.1% of people seeking specific types of cosmetic surgeries were found to have BDD.

The effects of BDD on a person's life can be severe, ranging from dangerous eating disorders to cosmetic surgeries and beyond. People with BDD may often spend significant amounts of time checking their appearance in mirrors, continually trying to hide what they see as flaws, or even undergoing dangerous cosmetic procedures to try to correct their perceived imperfections. As a result, they may experience challenges in personal relationships, social situations, and at work or school. 

BDD impacts men, women, and people of all genders. However, different gender identities have greater risks for different presentations. For example, muscle dysmorphia is much more common in men. 

Symptoms and diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder 

To diagnose BDD, a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, typically conducts an evaluation. They use guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, also known as the DSM-5-TR, a handbook of diagnosis for mental health professionals. According to these guidelines, someone might have BDD if they meet certain criteria, including the following:

• Continuous preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in their appearance not observable or minor to others

• Repeated behaviors, such as mirror-checking, excessive grooming, or seeking reassurance

• Concerns or worries about how they look causes significant distress or interferes with their daily life

Co-existing mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder

People with BDD may also have co-existing mental health conditions. These could include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, major depressive order, eating disorders* (i.e., anorexia nervosa), and trichotillomania (a disorder that involves pulling out one's hair). BDD may lead to complications like social phobia, social isolation, a decrease in the quality of life, and a higher risk of suicide. 

*If you believe you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, reach out for help immediately. The National Eating Disorder Association Helpline is available at 1-800-931-2237 from Monday through Thursday between 9 AM and 9 PM EST and Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM EST.

Causes and risk factors 

Body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, is not known to have one single cause, but is thought to arise from a combination of several factors. These may include genetics, family history, life experiences, personality traits, and societal pressure. Let's take a closer look at each of these.

Genetics and family history

If your close family members have BDD or a related disorder, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, your chances of developing BDD may be higher. For example, a study looked at the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder among 2,148 female twins. The results of the study reported a direct correlation between both body dysmorphic and obsessive-compulsive traits (82%) suggesting that overconcern with a perceived or slight defect in appearance is a heritable trait. This research suggests that a genetic predisposition could make a person more susceptible to developing this condition.

Life experiences

Experiences you have had, especially during your childhood or teenage years, can also play a role in developing BDD. For example, a study considered the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder among adolescents who were bullied or teased about their appearance in childhood. The study authors reported that children with BDD had a higher rate of being bullied than the control groups. Further, people who have had traumatic experiences, such as physical or emotional abuse either in childhood or romantic relationships, may be more likely to develop BDD. 

Personality traits

Certain personality traits may also make someone more likely to develop BDD. For example, being a perfectionist or introvert is thought to be a potential contributor to the condition. Vulnerable individuals may be more likely to fixate on their perceived physical flaws, leading to a higher risk for BDD. Low self-esteem and insecurity are also known to be correlated with an increased risk for developing body dysmorphic disorder. 

Societal pressure

Contemporary society often places a lot of emphasis on physical appearance, which can lead to unrealistic beauty standards. Social media perpetuates the pressure to be beautiful according to stereotypes that reflect unhealthy body types and unflawed images. When people constantly compare themselves to these impossible standards, it may result in dissatisfaction with their own bodies. Being exposed to these societal pressures, especially if you also have other risk factors, may contribute to developing BDD.

Prevention, treatment, and coping strategies

Prevention, treatment, and strategies to cope may be key elements in managing BDD and improving a person’s quality of life. If you notice signs or symptoms of BDD, you may want to seek help early on, which may help prevent the condition from becoming more severe. A mental health professional or healthcare provider can evaluate you and create a treatment plan. The ways BDD is treated and prevented might include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on encouraging learning and cognition to help people recognize behaviors and thought patterns that contribute to mental health challenges. This form of therapy may challenge distorted thoughts and help develop healthier ways of thinking about one's appearance.

Medications

Antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of BDD. SSRIs may help reduce a person’s preoccupation and distress associated with perceived flaws in their appearance. Medications should not be taken unless advised by a qualified healthcare provider.

Support groups

Connecting with others who have similar experiences can offer valuable emotional support and guidance. These groups are typically moderated by a trained professional or individual who also manages body dysmorphic disorder. Support groups may be a safe place where you can open up about your experience and listen to others who have similar diagnoses.

Coping strategies to manage BDD symptoms may include:

• Paying attention to and moderating the amount of time spent checking your appearance in the mirror.

• Limiting the amount of time you spend on activities related to your appearance. 

• Challenging negative thoughts about your appearance and trying to think about who you are in a loving and kind way. 

• Participating in activities that help you relax, like deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness meditation. 

• Surrounding yourself with friends and family who are supportive and understanding.

• Wondering if your body or appearance would be considered normal. 

BDD can be a serious condition that can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts. Therefore, if you or someone you know is experiencing severe distress or contemplating suicide, seek immediate help from a mental health professional or healthcare provider. Managing body dysmorphic disorder and related disorders can be challenging, but with the right guidance and support, a healthier mindset is possible.

Online therapy treatment for BDD

For those struggling with their self-image, it may seem difficult to see a therapist in person. In those cases, online therapy, including internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), may be a viable option for treating BDD from the comfort of their own home and can be highly effective for some individuals.

Research on internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) for BDD has found that therapist-guided CBT online can result in positive outcomes and is cost-effective. Accordingly, iCBT has been shown to help decrease symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder and improve an affected person’s overall quality of life.