Body dysmorphic
disorder (BDD) is a type of illness in which you can't stop thinking
about a flaw with your appearance — a flaw either that is minor or
imagined. To the sufferer, her appearance seems so shameful and
distressing that she doesn't want to be seen by anyone.
Those with BDD
intensely obsess over their appearance and body image, often for many
hours a day.
Jane Brody had a very good column in the March 23 NY Times on BDD. It is worth reading. When Your Looks Take Over Your Life
. Anorexia nervosa and the Adonis Syndrome (also called Muscle Dysmorphia) are closely related disorders.
