Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric disorder which the affected person is excessively concerned about and preoccupied by an imagined or minor defect of physical appearance.

There is often a fixation on issues with one particular feature, such as the nose or freckles, which cause distress for the sufferer, and might force them to try drastic changes to apperance or avoid social interaction.

A person with Body Dysmorphic Disorder is generally preoccupied with an imagined or very minor defect - it is not simply "hating your body." To be diagnosed, the discomfort suffered by someone must interfere with their life and often does interfere with social functioning.

According to the DSM IV, to be diagnosed with BDD, a person must possess the following criteria:

• Preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance. If a slight physical anomaly is present, the person's concern is markedly excessive.
• The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
• The preoccupation is not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., dissatisfaction with body shape and size in Anorexia Nervosa).