Body Dysmorphia
When you can't stop seeing something wrong that others don't see.
Reviewed by our clinical team · Updated October 2026
What is body dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphia means you can't stop fixating on something about how you look. This could be a feature that feels ugly or wrong to you, even when it's small or nobody else even notices it. It's not vanity. It's closely related to OCD. It has the same kind of fixation and checking but is aimed at how you look.
It can be about almost anything. Your skin, your hair, your nose, your weight, or your muscles. However, it usually works the same way underneath. The thing you're fixated on takes over your head, and no amount of checking or reassurance makes it quiet down for long.
Symptoms of body dysmorphia
- Fixating on something about how you look that feels way bigger to you than it looks to anyone else.
- Checking mirrors constantly, or avoiding them completely.
- Comparing how you look to other people.
- Feeling anxious or bad about yourself.
- Pulling back from people or plans because of how you feel about your appearance.
- Asking people over and over to tell you how you look.
Are you unsure if it's body dysmorphia?
A short and confidential self-assessment can help you decide whether it's time to talk to someone.
Causes of body dysmorphia
Body dysmorphia can run in families. Constant pressure from social media and everyone around you about how you're supposed to look feeds into it too. For a lot of people, it traces back to something from the past such as bullying, comments about how they looked growing up, or just feeling bad about themselves in a way that landed on their body.
Why support matters?
Body dysmorphia doesn't usually ease up by itself. If left alone, it can bring on real anxiety or depression, pull you away from people and things you care about, and make ordinary days hard just leaving the house. It can also raise the risk of self-harm or turning to substances to cope.
Note: If that's where you or someone you love is right now, please call iCall at 9152987821, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 10pm, or go to your nearest emergency room.
Our approach at Samarpan
We follow a personalised and evidence-based approach to help you manage body dysmorphia.
Assessment & Diagnosis
We start by getting to know exactly what you're dealing with. This helps us build a plan that is about you.
Therapy
We help you gradually face the things you've been avoiding and ease off the checking.
Medication Support (If Needed)
When necessary, we bring in psychiatric support, for medication to help with the symptoms of anxiety or depression..
Long-Term Support & Follow-Up
We stay with you afterward to help you hold onto your progress and lower the chances of slipping back.
How we can help
Services our team recommends for body dysmorphia — every plan starts with a conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure where to start?
A care coordinator can talk you through your options and help you book the right first appointment.
Reaching out is the first step.
We are available at the clinic or online.
In crisis or thinking about self-harm? Please contact iCall on 9152987821 — TISS · Mon–Sat, 8am–10pm.