Are people with BDD vain?

No! It’s the opposite, people with BDD are very self-critical and usually see themselves as ugly, defected or disfigured.

Vanity is defined as extreme self-pride or admiration which is not what people with BDD are feeling. People with BDD will often be fearful of others thinking they are vain, due to the excessive amount of time carrying out ‘checking’ behaviours such as mirror checking, taking photos of themselves, or lengthy beauty regimes. For this reason, those suffering with BDD may feel a sense of shame or embarrassment and try to hide their illness and behaviours from loved ones. This may lead to avoidance behaviours, isolation, and extreme emotional distress.

If you think you might have BDD, it is not something to be ashamed of. It is a serious and debilitating mental health condition which needs and deserves treatment.

Find out more by reading stories directly from the BDD community >

The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation. Charity no. 1153753.