
Originally Posted by
LBT
Or a certain milder form of it?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:-
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (**D) is a mental disorder, which involves a disturbed body image. Body dysmorphic disorder is generally diagnosed of those who are extremely critical of their physique or self image, despite the fact there may be no noticeable disfigurement or defect.
Most people wish they could change or improve some aspect of their physical appearance, but people suffering from **D, generally considered of normal apearence, believe that they are so unspeakably hideous that they are unable to interact with others or function normally for fear of ridicule and humiliation at their appearance.
**D combines obsessive and compulsive aspects which has linked it to the OCD spectrum disorders among psychologists. People with **D may engage in compulsive mirror checking behaviors or mirror avoidance, typically think about their appearance for more than one hour a day and in severe cases may drop all social contact and responsibilities as they become homebound. The disorder is linked to an unusually high suicide rate among all mental disorders.
It is estimated that **D affects 1-2% of the population,[citation needed] mostly developing in adolescents. Chronically low self-esteem is characteristic of those with **D due to their value of oneself being so closely linked with their perceived appearence. The prevalence of **D is equal in men and women, and causes chronic social anxiety for those suffering from the disorder.
(Replace the ** with B & D).