What is a well-known symptom of body dysmorphic disorder?

A well-known symptom of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is the preoccupation with perceived flaws in physical appearance, which often leads individuals to engage in behaviors like relying on cosmetic procedures to alter or improve their body features. Those with BDD commonly experience significant dissatisfaction with their appearance, which can drive them to seek out various methods to change how they look, sometimes excessively, in an effort to achieve what they believe is an acceptable standard of beauty. This behavior stems from a deep-seated anxiety about their appearance and an overwhelming concern about how they are perceived by others.

In contrast, feeling beautiful and confident in one's skin reflects a positive body image, which is contrary to the experiences of individuals with BDD. Thinking about one's body image from time to time suggests a normal level of self-reflection and concern that varies among individuals, while those with BDD have intrusive thoughts that can be debilitating. Accepting that others have different body shapes and sizes represents a healthy body image perspective, which again differs significantly from the distorted view held by those suffering from BDD. Thus, the reliance on cosmetic procedures indicates the distress and dysfunction characteristic of this disorder.