In an article published in Well + Good, experts gave an overview of body dysmorphic disorder and how it may be rising in prevalence. They explained that the condition is characterized by a compulsive fixation on perceived flaws in physical appearance—most commonly the skin and hair—that are often not recognized by others. The condition has been found to predominantly affect female adolescents and may be underdiagnosed. “[Individuals] with body dysmorphic disorder … worry that … they look abnormal in some way or that they look deformed. In reality, these [individuals] look normal,” emphasized one such patient, Danielle Kent, who revealed that she began to struggle with body dysmorphic disorder and a negative perception of her skin at the age of 11.
In a January 2022 report published by Schut et al in the British Journal of Dermatology, investigators discovered that symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder were fivefold more common among patients with dermatologic conditions. As a result, patients with skin-centric body dysmorphic disorder may worry about imperfections on their faces such as acne, scars, the color of their skin, facial pores, capillaries, wrinkles, sagging skin, or stretch marks. Body dysmorphic disorder has also been linked to higher rates of suicidal thoughts and actions. The investigators noted that genetics and environmental factors may contribute to the development of the condition; however, more research may be needed to uncover the specific influences. They also hypothesized that societal pressures encouraging a youthful appearance as well as the use of social media and video conferencing may be among the risk factors for body dysmorphic disorder, since they may collectively promote facial fixation, flaw awareness, image editing, and unattainable beauty standards. Individuals who spend 1 hour or more per day preoccupied with their skin; experience significant distress, such as low mood, embarrassment, shame, anxiety, and depression; and have a reduced quality of life should visit a physician who can assess them for body dysmorphic disorder and help manage the condition with cognitive behavioral therapy or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.