Social Anxiety Disorder

BDD is often associated with social anxiety and fears of being judged negatively by others.

When the fear of going to social events is largely due to appearance worries then a diagnosis of BDD is more likely. Compared to BDD, individuals with social phobia fear that they would act in a way that would be humiliating, embarrassing or offend others. An additional diagnosis of social anxiety disorder can only be made when the person displays a broader fear that he or she will show anxiety symptoms (e.g. go red, shake) or act inappropriately (for example “be boring”) in a way that will then be judged negatively.

Many people with BDD have also suffered from social anxiety in the past. Further information can be obtained from Anxiety UK.

The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation. Charity no. 1153753.