Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder in which the affected person is excessively concerned about and preoccupied by an imagined or minor defect in his or her physical features. The sufferer may complain of several specific features or a single feature, or a vague feature or general appearance, causing psychological distress that impairs important functioning (e.g. occupational or self-care) or social aspects of life.^[1]

Individuals with very obvious and immediately-noticable defects should not be diagnosed with BDD, however culture and clinician bias may play a significant part in the subjectivity behind determining what physical appearance is considered 'normal' and in whom the disorder is diagnosed.^[2] Onset of symptoms generally occurs in adolescence. The disorder is thought to affect both men and women equally and is linked to an unusually high suicide rate among all mental disorders.

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