Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026

Body dysmorphic disorder is a condition in which a person spends hours worrying about a flaw in their appearance that others barely notice or cannot see. It brings distress, checking or hiding behaviours, and avoidance. It is a mental health condition, not vanity, and it is treatable.

About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.

Care in the language you think in

At a glance

Common signs

Excessive focus on perceived physical flaws
Mirror checking or avoidance
Comparing appearance to others
Seeking reassurance

How it is usually treated

CBT with ERP components
SSRIs
Mindfulness-based approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Where to start

A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.

Book your free pre-consultation call

Registered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.

Signs

Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.

Hours a day thinking about a perceived flaw
Checking mirrors often, or avoiding them
Comparing your looks with others
Asking others for reassurance
Hiding the area with clothes, make-up or posture
Avoiding people or places because of how you look
Seeking cosmetic procedures that do not bring relief

How people often describe it

“I cannot stop thinking about a flaw in my looks”
“I check the mirror many times a day”
“People say I look fine but I do not believe them”
“I avoid photos and going out because of how I look”

People who live with body dysmorphic disorder may also notice depression, social anxiety or OCD. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.

When to get help soon

Get help soon if distress is severe or you have thoughts of harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.

How it is diagnosed

A psychiatrist asks which features you worry about, how much time they take, what you do about them and how much they limit your life. They also check for depression, anxiety and eating problems.

Treatment and support

CBT with exposure and response prevention, which reduces checking, hiding and reassurance-seeking
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Mindfulness-based approaches
Treating related depression or anxiety

How Mindly helps

Mindly's psychiatrists assess body image distress and agree a therapy plan with you, avoiding reassurance that keeps the cycle going. All care is online, by video.

You can talk to a psychiatrist online, read what a first online consultation involves and see how pricing works before you book. Related reading: when to see a psychiatrist.

Your first appointment

A psychiatrist maps your thoughts, urges and rituals, how much time they take, and how they affect work, study and family life.

Who is involved

Care often combines medicine with exposure and response prevention (ERP), led by your psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist.

Between sessions

You track rituals between sessions, and your plan is reviewed as things change.

What to expect

Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.

Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works

Book your free pre-consultation call

Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.

Common questions

Does cosmetic surgery cure BDD?

Usually not. People with BDD often stay distressed after procedures, so treatment of the underlying condition comes first. Discuss any plan with your doctor.

Is this just vanity?

No. It is a distressing condition that takes over thinking and daily life.

Can it be treated?

Yes. Many people improve with the right therapy.

If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.