body dysmorphic disorder

American  

[bod-ee dis-mawr-fik dis-awr-der] / ˈbɒd i dɪsˈmɔr fɪk dɪsˌɔr dər /

noun

1. a mental disorder characterized by distorted body image and obsessions about perceived physical shortcomings. BDD

---

body dysmorphic disorder British  

noun

1. a psychological disorder characterized by a strong feeling that one's appearance or health would be improved by the removal of a healthy body part

---

Etymology

Origin of body dysmorphic disorder

First recorded in 1985–90; dys- + -morphic

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

body dysmorphic disorder

We make similar distinctions in conditions like body dysmorphic disorder and hoarding disorder: The meaning of the preoccupation determines how we treat it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 12, 2025

Around 5 to 10 million people in the United States have body dysmorphic disorder, which includes the face.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2023

The fashion doll that ensured generations of girls were stricken with body dysmorphic disorder before the age of 10 comes alive in “Barbie,” a comedy written by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2023

Whereas people with eating disorders might view their underweight body as too fat, those with body dysmorphic disorder see themselves as ugly or disfigured even though they appear normal or attractive to others.

From Salon ● Apr. 9, 2023

My book, titled "The BDD Family," provides insights into my daily struggles with body dysmorphic disorder along with information about diagnosis and treatment.

From Salon ● Apr. 9, 2023