On February 14, 2023 an enlightening video was posted on the NY Times website about Body Dysmorphic Disorder. The 8.5 minute film by Shaina Feinberg is worth watching and remembering.
Link to Sahina's Op-Ed video: A Brief History of Hating My Face.
It’s very likely that Lucy Grealy, the author of Autobiography of a Face, suffered from B.D.D., as well.
An interesting study was done that demonstrated the difference between how we see ourselves and how others see us. The following video demonstrates this in six minutes: Real Beauty. This may help to explain Body Dysmorphic Disorder and related conditions. It also comments on how most of us view ourselves.
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.