Have you ever felt like something about your body was “wrong” or desperately wished that you looked like someone else? If so, you might’ve experienced body dysmorphia. Feeling uncomfortable in your own skin can be difficult and even exhausting. If you feel like you constantly obsess over your appearance, it might even be considered a disorder.
Take this quiz, and we’ll help you understand whether or not you might be dealing with body dysmorphia. We’ll also offer expert-backed guidance and advice that can help you improve your relationship with your body.
While this quiz is based on an official psychological test, your results do not serve as a clinical diagnosis. Please consult a licensed psychologist, counselor, or therapist if you believe you have a mental illness.
Questions Overview
- Yes. I find myself wanting to look like them.
- Sometimes. They look better than me most of the time.
- I guess? Sometimes I grab style inspo from them.
- Never. I like the way I look.
- Yes. I’m constantly questioning whether or not I look good.
- Sometimes. It’s nice to know when I look put together and when I don’t.
- Rarely. I only ask if I’m going somewhere special (like a date or job interview).
- Never. I’m pretty confident in myself.
- Yeah. I don’t want people to see my flaws.
- Sometimes, but not all of the time.
- Rarely, and it’s only when I’m trying to replicate a certain look.
- Never.
- Yes, always (probably between 20-40 times a day).
- Sometimes (maybe between 10-20 times a day).
- Rarely (I guess less than 5 times a day).
- Never.
- Yes, constantly. It’s hard not to think about it.
- Sometimes, but not always.
- Rarely. Only when I’m having a bad day.
- Never.
- Yes, all of the time.
- Sometimes, but not every day.
- Rarely.
- Never.
- Yes. It’s a constant fear. I regularly cancel plans because of it.
- Sometimes. I do worry about it, but I don’t usually cancel plans because of it.
- I’ve only been worried about it once or twice, but I wouldn’t cancel plans because of it.
- Never.
- Yes, regularly.
- Sometimes, now that I think about it.
- I do worry about my physical appearance, but it almost never keeps me from working or studying.
- Never.
- Yes, all of the time. It’s hard not to think about my body, and it seriously affects my ability to concentrate.
- Sometimes I obsess, but it doesn’t regularly get in the way of my day-to-day life.
- It depends. Some days are better than others.
- Never.
- Yeah. I definitely think it’s harder for me to make friends because of how I look.
- I guess, looking back, my looks might’ve kept me from socializing.
- Not usually. For the most part, I’m confident enough to socialize how I’d like to.
- Never.
- Yes, constantly. I never put myself out there because of how I look. I fear I won’t ever find a partner because of it.
- Sometimes it stops me, but not always.
- It depends. I’m usually confident enough to pursue relationships how I’d like to.
- Never.
- Yeah. That’s the first thing people see, right?
- Sometimes, but I know there are other great things about me.
- Every so often, but I try not to focus on my looks.
- Nope. My personality is what shines.
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What Is Body Dysmorphia?
Also known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), body dysmorphia is a mental condition where an individual constantly thinks about flaws in their physical appearance. This condition can happen in men and women of any age, but it’s the most common in adolescents. BDD isn’t a sign of vanity; on the contrary, it’s a life-altering condition that can negatively impact a person’s body image and confidence. While the causes of body dysmorphia are unknown, studies have linked the condition to genetics (specifically those exposed to OCD and depression), chemical imbalances in the brain, traumatic experiences (bullying, abuse, etc.), and other mental health conditions (eating disorders, anxiety, etc.).
Signs of Body Dysmorphia:
- Worrying about or being preoccupied with a specific part or area of the body.
- Constantly comparing your looks to others.
- Seeking reassurance from others about how you look.
- Attempting to hide flaws with clothing, makeup, etc.
- A strong belief that your body or appearance is “ugly,” “defective,” or “not right.”
- The belief that others are constantly mocking or making fun of your appearance.
- Frequently checking your reflection.
- Grooming or picking at your skin or body.
- Avoiding social situations.
Treating Body Dysmorphia:
There’s no shame in asking for help. Body dysmorphia isn’t something you have to be embarrassed about. Doctors, therapists, and counselors are here to help you. After all, this is what they’re trained to do! When you reach out to a licensed professional, they’ll likely ask you questions to further assess your mental state. Then, depending on your results, they may encourage you to try one (or both) of these treatments to help strengthen your relationship with and perspective of your body:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is when you work 1-on-1 with a therapist to manage your BDD symptoms by altering the way you think and behave.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that may help improve your symptoms.
Want to learn more?
For more information about body dysmorphia, check out these resources:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938
- https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/body-dysmorphia/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/body-dysmorphic-disorder
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1414653/
- https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/body-dysmorphic-disorder
- https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/general-information/ten-steps
Medical Disclaimer
Any medically related content, whether User Content or otherwise found on the Service, is not intended to be medical advice or instructions for medical diagnosis or treatment, and no physician-patient or psychotherapist-patient relationship is, or is intended to be, created.
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