What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a brain disorder that creates faulty and inaccurate perceptions about your appearance. For some people you can even have delusional beliefs that make you think the flaws you see are an accurate perception.
Here is the criteria for this according to the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 5th edition.
Preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others.
You perform repetitive behaviors in response to the appearance concerns.
The preoccupation causes distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
The preoccupation is not better explained by concerns with body fat or weight in an individual whose symptoms meet diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder.
The majority of people (about 2/3) start having this problem in childhood or adolescence. The most common body area to be focused on is the face or head. The head would be things like insisting your ears are too large or misaligned.
In this video I discuss a case of what body dysmorphic disorder looks like and use examples from that case to discuss the criteria.
Body dysmorphic disorder is grouped with the obsessive-compulsive disorders because of the obsession with having a physical flaw with your body and the rituals and behaviors you engage in. Likewise, the way we treat this disorder is similar to OCD, a combination of medication and cognitive behavior therapy.
Video on Social Anxiety
• Social Anxiety Disorde...
Here are some helpful resources
Resources
• Phillips KA. The broken mirror. New York: Oxford University Press; 2005.
Body Dysmorphic Foundation bddfoundation.org
References
Barnhill, John, et.al. Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders DSM-5® Clinical Cases. August 2013
Feusner JD, Hembacher E, Moller H, Moody TD. Abnormalities of object visual processing in body dysmorphic disorder. Psychol Med. 2011;41(11):2385-2397.
Want to know more about mental health and self-improvement? On this channel I discuss topics such as bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), relationships and personal development/self-improvement. I upload weekly. If you don’t want to miss a video, click here to subscribe. goo.gl/DFfT33
Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

WATCH NEXT - *Identify Your Self-Defeating Thoughts* - kzbin.info/www/bejne/h52niXeCdpmkpsU

[@13579hee]

I wonder if I have body dysmorphia. I was bullied for being fat since I was a child. I obsessively think about how unattractive my body is, I don't go in part because I don't wanna be treated like some kind of weird thing for people to look at, I don't care about people telling my they think Im attractive because I just don't believe it, I get sad whenever I see young fit attractive men, I compare myself to fit men all the time and dream about looking like other people, I wear outwear like jackets and hoodies to cover my fat body all year long including in the hot summer, I obsess about my hair because I fear its thinning and I get very sad when I see other men with longer fuller hair

[@violetlove1893]

Dr. Marks, you're brilliant and so kind. I appreciate your channel and love that you teach us so much. Blessings to you.

[@erikkopsala3564]

Dr.Tracey Marks . I know the oath of first do no harm can be a catch 22 in many medical cases .I have heard of body dysmorphic disorder case's of person believes a body part does not belong to them , and develops a strong aversion to the body part like a hand arm foot leg to the point of wanting it surgically removed , yet no ethical doctor and surgeon would grant the request to remove a perfectly healthy body parts so why the double standard when it comes to sex change surgery because they are both still much the same mental health issues that may or may not get resolved for the person in the long term , and attempts to reverse the results may be even worse .

[@overhorizon1419]

I think childhood has something to do with this. Someone shames u for your looks and until now those memories keep ringing in ur head.

[@13579hee]

I agree 100%. I was shamed for my weight and now I OBSESS about my weight

[@Me-ec9uz]

Actually i agree, but it can be true and not. Bcs i think some people can forget it but some people can't forget it too...

[@islandhall90]

100% true. I was heavily bullied for literally everything.

[@darktemptationXTTG]

Facts I was always told I was to black when shooting my shot

[@13579hee]

@@darktemptationXTTG oh, you think being racist is funny???? Without putting Black people down, you people have NO personality

[@mia_jmn9354]

This is absolute hell. When my bdd started I got so obsessed how my nose lookd from the side profile that I spent 4 or 5 hours a day just turning my head in front of different mirrors and taking tons of pictures. I was so sure that my nose was the most ugly thing you could ever have in your face. Taking pictures stressed me so out that I started avoiding cameras. I deleted all the photos and avoided looking into mirrors. I felt better. But at one day when I was alone at home, everything started again. I couldn't help but taking new pictures and I saw old pictures and it was just horrible. I couldn't stop. From that day on I haven't looked into a mirror since two months. But the funny thing is that everyone tells me that all they can see is a normal nose. I just want to see myself the way I saw it before all this started

[@saviicarey]

mia _jmn I can relate to spending hours taking pictures of my face from different angles and mirrors

[@karinafabila6328]

mia _jmn I do this too!! And I already plan all the surgeries I am going to have and I hope it will free me from this ...

[@sparshlosalka]

Karina Fabila plz don’t have a surgury it will ruin more your

[@Isinforblood]

@mia_jmn IKR like that’s exactly what I did too I always look in the mirror and think of myself like why do I look soo ugly and then I try to change something about it and I wished I looked more better then ugly I wish life wasn’t like this 😭😭😔😔💔💔

[@BrokennessAndBeauty]

I’m so sorry. 😕 we are both suffering!! Today is the worst for me. I just want to smash the mirror 😥 i CANT HANDLE IT

[@caramel3027]

I think bullying can cause this as well? My bullies called me ugly, it's been 8 years and I still believe they were right.

[@priscillachapkylo934]

You're beautiful and unqine because they've are so evinous about their serect wanna you're what you are as individual.

[@ughlwtmechangerhisthabks8349]

I think so too. It's either that or my classmates traumatized me and made me ridiculously insecure. To the point I feel like crying every word see myself in the mirror... I wish I could have a diagnosis

[@Isinforblood]

@Caramel that’s definitely me 😂😂😂

[@Isinforblood]

@Caramel that’s definitely me 😂😂😂

[@Blah6384]

I was bullied in school too for being « ugly » and I have this 🙁 I think there’s definitely a link there. I’m still battling with the consequences of bullying years later. I hope you’re somehow recovering and getting better !

[@turtleman03]

I'm tormented by this. To the point I have started crying out of nowhere. My family needs me to be strong right now and I can't afford for this to get the best of me, but it is getting the best of me.

[@wrzffh]

I feel you, man. I have this and it is horrible.

[@13579hee]

I can kinda relate

[@mr.e4902]

I don’t know if I have it, but I feel this exact way

[@ibuydigital1574]

I have it too man, it's absolutely hell.

[@bengalboypaco3140]

Your not alone

[@summertaylor5665]

I think I have this. I am so obsessed with my appearance and weight that I have been considering complete facial reconstruction and extreme weight loss measures. And the more i feel like i am so unlovable and ugly the more I want to die and completely change myself. I hate myself, I hate what I look like. I desperately wish I could change everything about my body. I cant stop thinking about it while I work, when I am at home. Its so bad I break down crying and have to hide at work. Amy sounds so much like me.

[@catreenel]

i feel the same way. i’m sorry you’re going through this

[@daisiedukezzz1746]

I understand what you're going thru girly, don't ever give up and keep fighting for positive thoughts, I know we can do it!!!! And you are gorgeous btw!

[@SlasherYT-kc3wg]

U prob should go through the surgery im 15 and i got my jaw and ears pinnes plus nose fixed im the happiest ive ever been and went through what u went through i couldnt stop thinking abt it then i told my parents and they helped me get it best decision ive ever made plus pain isnt that bad

[@wutru20]

Just wanted to let you know that from a guys perspective I think you look great. Don't know if you'll ever read this but I hope you're doing better. There is a person who will love you for who you really are.

[@ameurbouchelouche1385]

I do feel the same thing like you. I wanna Fixe everything about my appearance case I'm convinced that people don't love me because of my face or body... I'm convinced that there is so much wrong with my appearance. I'm confessing this for the first time.

[@BrownSkinnedDiva95]

I think i have this disorder. Im really insecure about how I look

[@DrTraceyMarks]

I hope you’re able to work through it.

[@namenotblod4309]

Yep that’s why we’re hear

[@huntermeek7450]

'80% of people with this condition have lifetime suicidal thoughts.' Well...shit.

[@muraliseetharaman1908]

Absolutely. You are correct

[@mazklassa9338]

I can speak for this too. It's stolen so much time from me, as well as energy draining. All those youthful opportunities were all dragged down by inner voices of telling myself constantly that I'm ugly and off-putting to the opposite sex; so I never really bothered trying to improve what I did have because the source of what I wanted (love) was unavailable to me, so I was telling myself. Although I am older looking now, it's no easier. When I was 20yrs younger probably nothing was really "wrong" with my appearance. Yet I was telling myself such a strong mantra everyday of not being good enough or worthy.

[@olivierdube8110]

I kinda want to end it all already instead of having to deal with suicidal ideation for the rest of my life. It's not worth it. I made my choice

[@gp9550]

@@olivierdube8110 omg are you okay? tell me that you didn't do something stupid. It's all gonna pass but you need to stay strong and search for help. you will see, that we can fix everything

[@dap4699]

Shit indeed. And I have other issues on top of that. Fuck it, I think next time something or someone pushes me, I'll see myself out.

[@alainemaepaulan2637]

I don't want to self diagnosed but here's what I do and how I feel I always feel ugly even though they call me pretty. I see everyone beautiful but me. I hate seeing myself in a camera or in a video...ughhh I really really hate it. It gets harder now that we are asked to do it in class. I constantly check myself in the mirror. I can't not do it for a day.

[@asmipatil6483]

Omg I feel the exact same

[@Beautyforashes613_]

At least u can check the mirror… I can’t even really look at myself in the mirror

[@shannilove2801]

I constantly look in the mirror about 5 times a day sometimes twice if I try to resist

[@sunshinesunflowerz1647]

Teenage me, middle and high school; along with family teasing my body type. I was doing great until those traumatic events.

[@missshadowfax]

Ms. Rawkii Joy you beautiful!

[@z...03]

@Neda true. I just came from a family gathering and 60% of the topic is ab my weight and how im so fat. Everyone is laughing and im just silent.

[@ivagreen11]

When family is the bully that's the*worst* 🤬

[@ksimpp]

When I was in my most depressive state, I'm pretty damn sure I had BDD. I'd spend hours in front of the mirror and taking pictures / videos to "confirm" how ugly I was. I wanted to know that what I saw was what other people saw. It felt like my face was deformed. I still have body image issues and am pretty hard on myself but when I look at my face I don't see it the same way I used to. It's like it completely changed with the state of my mental health. I would never wish this feeling upon anyone, it's awful and you feel like a prisoner. Thanks for the vid.

[@morganstarr6682]

I feel the exact same way. It’s crippling. It never goes away. I just what to finally be okay with how I look. I try to avoid pictures sometimes, but sometimes I bite the bullet and I’m like “Alright let’s try it again, maybe this pic will come out okay” and then I see the pic and then I’m just reminded and I think “oh okay THATS why I avoid pictures, because I look like THAT.” I hate it so much.

[@PITU-f7f]

Get it treated

[@tesssmith1054]

Thank you. I used to suffer really badly with this. I kinda still do at times, but I’ve decided I won’t let it win. I tell my self even if I am an ugly freak I still have the right to be happy and I’m still lovable! I minimise the amount of time I spend looking at myself and the amount of time I spend doing my hair/makeup, I used to tie myself up in knots thinking about how bad I look. I just try to let the beautiful person I am inside shine through and smiling helps! Everyone needs to realise how unique and beautiful they are!💕

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Absolutely that’s a great point you make. Thanks for that encouragement. 😊

[@JaneCrossan]

Wow! Thanks for that. I'm trying to cure myself of hating how I look❤

[@Blah6384]

I suffer from this disorder along with severe depression and social anxiety. I’ve tried to take my own life before because I feel like I can’t ever be the person I want to be. I spend hours looking in the mirror and checking my scars and skin flaws. I spend so much time and money on skincare. It is on my mind constantly and I’m convinced that’s all other people see in me. It’s so tiring. I don’t want to think about it anymore, the stress kills me. I just want to be like other people my age and not a freak... 😞

[@ranicalerp7765]

This is very similar to how I feel. It's so exhausting and yet I can't stop. I wish I could just be normal too...

[@Blah6384]

@@ranicalerp7765 :’( Hang in there. I hope you can slowly heal at your own pace 🙏

[@weirdsider4412]

I could have written this comment myself. I know your pain, in my own way. I’m so sorry. . .

[@SlasherYT-kc3wg]

@@Blah6384 whats the least painful way to do it

[@Blah6384]

@@SlasherYT-kc3wg I don’t know what to tell you since I’ve been there so many times but the least painful thing to do right now is to try to talk to someone and get help. The pain you’re feeling is too much to bear on your own, there are people who can help.

[@janets7291]

Thanks for explaining this so clearly. BDD perceptions go way over and above thinking "Gee, I should lose a few pounds" or "I have my father's nose, too big" and then getting on with the rest of your day. Obsessing is a whole other ball game.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Yes Jan that’s a very important point here. We can all get focused on some part of our body we don’t like, but this is at a different level from that.

[@porquenao33]

I love your hair.

[@barbarainc]

Ditto

[@davidtichborne5090]

I decided to try on a Mohawk for the first time

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thank you @por que não? And @Barbara Wibe. 😊

[@akaunderdog4223]

You should watch her early videos 10 years ago...huge difference

[@athena.d6613]

I love how this is the top comment 😂

[@trapfactory8600]

I honestly can't tell if I have this or I'm actually just ugly as sin. Ironically I did visit the hospital recently for the same reason Amy did.

[@aamu3]

:( .. I can relate.. i keep wondering if it's just my imagination or if I'm really that big.. and when I see pictures I immediately see just my butt and legs and how big it is

[@junlucas69]

The amount of tears I cried while watching this.

[@blackwallflower]

Same😅

[@ZaynLouisObsessed14]

I never actually realized how many symptoms and habits I've been having because of this. I haven't been diagnosed but the symptoms are spot on when I look back at my lifestyle for about 8 years. The past 2-3 years have been the worst. I'd constantly stare at myself in the mirror, criticizing almost everything. I even kept a little mirror with me in bed and I would just look at myself like every 10ish minutes. I've hated how I looked in photos so I stopped taking pictures of myself. The anxiety of being asked to take a photo is unbelievable. Social anxiety has definitely been a huge part too. If I don't feel okay with how I look one morning, I am doing my best not to leave my room or run into anyone. Whenever I'm talking to someone, it's the constant thought of "what do I look like," "why are they looking at me like that," "do they think i'm ugly," "i need to fix ____," etc. Even noticing their eye movements to see if they're focusing on a specific part of my face. It's exhausting. Compliments are weird too, like I'm grateful for them but I genuinely struggle to see what they are seeing/complimenting. There are so many "little" behaviours that you can point out with this disorder and you don't realize how serious it is until you recognize them. It's such a debilitating disorder and I hope everyone struggling with this (as well as other mental illnesses) gets some peace of mind. You are all beautiful, no matter what your brain is telling you. Stay strong everyone

[@kabiin3190]

This is exactly what I have been feeling for 4 years now :'( I feel like suicide is only solution

[@SL-pg4dh]

You described me. The only solution is to see yourself in person as others see you, but that is impossible. So we are kinda trapped and perpetually victim of our own imagination.

[@alxgaming2096]

I think I have this, I keep checking myself in the mirror, always thinking I'm fat, I can't stop

[@Bffproduction23]

Dr. Marks, I cannot express how grateful I am for the time you take out to create and share these videos with the world. It really means a lot to me and I'm sure others.

[@blackham7]

I find that when I avoid looking in mirrors and stop taking pictures I feel so much better just laying about doing other things. I think social media and the fact that everybody has a camera nowadays is to blame. We need to see more unconventional looking people in the media and we need to stop using our phones.

[@Punk-Mask]

I struggled with this for a long time and to my surprise the only thing that helped me was studying eastern philosophy. When you see the interdependent relationship between the individual and the environment you start to have a different perspective on the way you identify yourself.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Fabian Joel thanks for sharing your experience

[@genevievexx]

Hi! I was wondering if you had particular book recommendations on eastern philosophy that helped you? I know you wrote this comment 2 years ago but if you see it, I'd be very interested to know. Thanks:)

[@briarrose4747]

Me 3 im also wondering what worked for u?

[@thata757]

Please say one book i need help

[@Tringri]

I have BDD, and I can’t stop comparing certain parts of my body to those of other men. I feel very small and un-masculine (a “manlet” if you will) compared to my friends and peers. It’s absolute hell. I never want to wish this onto my worst enemy.

[@assblaster5000]

Today I learned I have BDD. In my defense, I grew up poor and my parents couldn't afford braces for me. Now that I'm an adult, I can barely afford bills and food. And in this day and age, everyone has perfect teeth. My overcrowded teeth are slowly destroying my life to the point where I became a hermit, lost my job, cut all ties with friends and family and I haven't had a relationship in 4 years- who could love someone with an ugly smile? There's not a moment in my day where I don't think about how much I hate my teeth and my smile. Literally from the moment I get up and until I get to sleep (I often have insomnia caused by anxiety due to how much I hate my teeth) I'm thinking about my teeth or suicide. To fix my teeth I need money. To get money I need a job. To keep a job to earn enough money I need to stop worrying about my teeth. It's literally a vicious cycle and it never ends. Thank you for the vid Tracy, you're an incredible woman.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

KittenMagic you’re welcome 😊 I hope you’re able to settle into a peaceful place with your looks

[@pinkywinky7207]

I could help you with the money

[@pineappleflow2876]

What if you work from home, just a few hours a day?

[@amberfallon5769]

Thank you so much for this, Dr. Marks! I have had Body Dysmorphic Disorder since I was a teenager. It was one of the aspects of my OCD that would flare the most. I sought out body image therapy in college when it began to affect my studies the most. I'm still with a great therapist today and it's made a huge difference. I feel bad for the years I kept asking everyone to reassure me of my appearance. I honestly had no idea what I looked like. I describe it as walking through a house of mirrors at a carnival. What you see is always different. Facing my fears about my appearance though made me realize the world isn't going to crash down because of a perceived flaw. I still have triggers but my confidence is much higher now. I know between therapy and continuing to keep my thoughts positive, it'll be easier to handle the compulsive thoughts.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Keep pressing forward Amber. I’m glad you have a great therapist.😊

[@SlasherYT-kc3wg]

Same with me im 15 rn but i thought i looked fucking amazing then when quarantine hit i realized that i was ugly asf luckily ill get it fixed but i relate with u on the body image part it hit me like a fucking truck

[@LS-qt9bo]

For two months I absolutely obsessed with how I looked in the best way and also in the worst way. I thought I looked better then everyone. One day i woke up hungover and I was now obsessed with how I looked in the worst way, I feel like even if I was the best looking person I wouldn't be happy.

[@METRI.A]

havent took a single pic in 3 years

[@lailasilvaxo]

Same 😭

[@antoniacossio7656]

6 years counting..

[@sickozzz8949]

I've never been this early. Been waiting all my life for this vid❤ thank you doc

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You're welceome Ayavuya! I hope it's helpful.

[@eversunnyguy]

Wonderful talk on explaining this painful disorder....Thank you. It helps in understanding what kind of hell these unfortunate ones go through !

[@lekha1354]

I am really insecure about how I look i am indian I have dark skinned and I always think I am ugly , no one will love me . I even imagine being love , having friends , being happy but it hurt when I realised that none of them are true . I am so lonely I even hugged myself since I didn't had anyone whom I can hug . And my friends always make me feel inscure . I compared myself to them they have so light skin, beautiful and I always think I can't be like them . They always told me about their boyfriends, crush it love affairs that makes me feel like I will never experienced this and I am worthless

[@Magic-V8-P71]

I'm the same as you. I'm half Mexican but I have pale skin way more than anyone else I know. My whole family has way darker skin or can at least tan and I'd get laughed at if I tried to say I was Mexican without people seeing me around my family. More than that I feel you on imagining being loved and shit. I do that all the time but then remember I have nothing and I'm here all alone with nobody but myself.

[@pineappleflow2876]

@@Magic-V8-P71 Do you feel like you don't deserve love? I feel that way all the time. It's ridiculous but i can't make it stop.

[@waterfallanothermedium1821]

Hey I’m half pak and I feel the same way except I’m more insecure about my nose and chin. Honestly Indians with dark skin are suck beautiful people. You guys have such soft and beautiful features. You guys are the most beautiful people in the world ❤️

[@TheSuri26]

Michael Jackson was the best example of Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

[@JODei-vd4cc]

TW I was just about go and purge from guilt of eating (even thought it was healthy) when I saw a notification. When i read the title of the video I was able to change my mind. So thank You, Dr. Marks. Not only was this a great video, but also a great distraction from unhealthy habits.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thank you and you’re welcome. I’m glad it was helpful.

[@QueenCloveroftheice]

I know it’s been two years, but I hope you’re doing better!

[@rubylove2320]

Thank you for boosting my self confidence! You gave me an example of hope and to see my higher self.

[@shellyj9809]

Dr Marks this session was most definitely on point concerning ones perception of obsessing. Thats the reason for a lot of depression, lipo, fake boobs, & but shots. The media plays a major roll in the perspective of what one should look & sound like, whats hot & whats not. It is very important we teach our kids to know themselves & luv themselves & embrace their individuality. Thank You

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re so right about the media including social media (looking at everyone’s selfies?) Yes giving reassurance and affirmation starting early on is super important. Thanks for watching.

[@mikaelneault]

Thank you so much Doctor Marks for talking about that, I feel way lighter now to put a name on my situation!

[@fajjumaghy5065]

I love you for this video. This is the best and most clear explanation I've ever heard about BDD. I can see that you're a great psychiatrist!

[@Sammmc99]

I've had body dysmorphia since I was a young teenager, my fixation has just switched over the years to different aspects of my appearance. I used to have terrible acne at a young age, even had people in school point it out, and I believe this is how it started. Now I'm obsessed with the structure of my face and my under eye area. Every time Im out in public, I look for shiny surfaces to check my reflection in. I go to the bathroom multiple times a day at work just to check my appearance. I love going on walks outside but am plagued the whole time with the thought that other people think I look tired and ugly and have sunken in eyes. I've craved being in a relationship for a long time but won't make a dating profile online because I'm afraid someone will see me in person and notice all of these things and feel deceived by my pictures. I don't even like looking people in the eyes when I speak to them because I feel like all they can see are my under eye bags. I know these thoughts are ruining my life but I don't think I could ever go to my psychologist about it because I don't ever want to point out my flaws to someone and have them become more noticeable. Just gonna rely on cosmetic surgery :/

[@secretangel77]

I suffer from the same thing I really despise how I look and I wish I could die because I believe if I don’t look good then there is no point in living but if that’s actually you in your profile picture let me tell you ,you’re very gorgeous

[@Sammmc99]

@@secretangel77 that is so kind, thank you. Angles and different lighting affect faces a lot though and I think I'm much worse looking in natural light. Then again, we're all our biggest critics, and I'm sure you're gorgeous but just can't see it for yourself.

[@secretangel77]

@@Sammmc99 Thank you you’re so sweet !

[@pocoeagle2]

Great video with also wonderful progression in your animations doc👍. Thanks again for an excellent video Dr. Marks 😃🇳🇱

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thank you for noticing how my skills are improving. 😊

[@utube0372]

Dr.Marks , I just found your utube channel last night & I'm so glad I did ! You're so beautiful, and so smart and I love the way you explain things. Last night I watched one of your videos on health anxiety & and that is me to the key. I am 52 years old & like 19 years ago I got dizzy while driving and somehow I developed this fear of driving a car, and sadly it snowballed into fear of death .....although I did get sick with actual illnesses like viral meningitis & thyroid issues I still couldn't learn how to separate normal illness from health anxiety. It got soooooo bad that I was afraid to be home alone .... My heart goes out to people who suffer from this problem & I Thank you for making these very informative videos. May God bless you for having a good heart and wanting to help people. I never overcame the driving fear so it's been very hard on me and my family. And to this day every time i get sick I FEEL like it's something that will kill me like cancer ... And then my mind takes over with these un healthy thoughts. Thank you for allowing me to share my story.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Hi Florida girl. Welcome. I’m so glad you’re found my channel. I’m sorry you’re still having trouble with the driving issue. and yes one of the difficulties with health anxiety is when you do have real illnesses that get mixed in. Then it becomes super hard to separate them. It can also take the turn of catastrophizIng your real illness and worrying about the worst case scenario outcomes. thanks for sharing your experience.

[@utube0372]

@@DrTraceyMarks thank you for responding to my comment. I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@BeingBetter]

@@utube0372 I have a fear of driving too that I'm not better from yet. I drive short distances only. I used to have a fear of being home alone but I overcame it!

[@utube0372]

@@BeingBetter Wow that's great ! How did you over come it may I ask ?

[@SportbikeUnitedRiderz]

Really sad case. Knew of a case who also suffered with this 00:59 along w/ severe social anxiety. CBT was helpful. Thanks for creating this BDD educational video.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re welcome drone point of view. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@CaptSlim]

I struggle with bdd (self diagnosed) I obsessed over how skinny I look and believe I'm invisible because of it or believe ppl are laughing me for it. Been an issue for over 30 years and I don't know how to handle this. Thank you for your video

[@thefacilitator4343]

Hey Dr I'm really glade I stumbled on you on youtube,watching your videos makes me feel a bit reassured.Thanks for your work on behalf of all the broken.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re welcome the facilitator. I’m glad you stumbled upon my channel as well. Thanks for watching.

[@dongentle6896]

Been binging your channel while laid low with the flu. Enjoying the clear, understated presentation. Particularly appreciative that you mentioned somewhere that not all delusions/hallucinations are distressing, in my worse psychotic periods in about 1980 I used to believe I could tune my metallic fillings to receive fm radio, used to go to sleep listening to nice music. About the same time I suffered Cottards Syndrome, that was not so nice. Over the years I have given myself a hard time about all the lost time not accomplishing what I thought I should, but frankly surviving into my sixties is not a bad accomplishment in and of itself given the circumstances.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Oh boy Cotards. I don’t think I’ve ever talked to someone with that syndrome. That’s very dark. You sound like you’ve gotten past that. I’m glad. Thanks for binge watching. Wishing you a speedy recovery

[@dongentle6896]

Dr. Tracey Marks in complete remission atm, think it might be permanent this time. Thanks D

[@roely6210]

I believe I’ve had something like this for 3 years now. I just found out that it’s an official disorder. My problem is that, everyday I look in the mirror I see a different person. Every time u change my shirt I see a different person. Sometimes I feel like I’m good looking. And sometimes I feel really ugly. Every morning I try 10 different shirts on to see if a certain shirt makes my face look good. If it doesn’t I’m just in a bad mood all day. I’m insecure and I feel really down.

[@Freetown37]

I’ve definitely had this since middle school started. It causes me so much anxiety even when I alone I can NEVER stop thinking about the way that I look. I am constantly looking in a mirror and I mean constantly

[@anavalenz9716]

This is a very accurate explanation of bad because I have experienced it all my life, I try to control it all the time but what has helped me more is writing down my thoughts

[@carissahowell]

This obsession is absolute hell!! I remember being hyperfocused and obsessed with my size even when I was 7 or 8. Not weight, size. Even as a size 3 jeans, 115 pounds, I believed my overall size was massive and people hated me because I was fat.

[@Abr022575]

They do

[@pmuninderpathi]

Madam, your's explanation on BDD is exceptionally great. After watching this video Many will solve their BDD problems.

[@dmtrv.m]

i thought it was just me being “crazy” until i found theres such thing only a few days ago. i’ve never really liked the way i look, but ever since i lost weight and had a glow up last year, i got obsessed with my appearance. especially and mainly my body. i still haven’t achieved the wanted from me body, but i am satisfied with what’ve done. (i’ve never been overweight or anything, but losing weight was a good thing to do and now i feel better) however, it’s hell to live with me sometimes. i spend so much time in front of the mirror, analyzing every single part of my body and even face, seeing nothing, but flaws. most of the times i end up crying and throwing stuff, because i feel miserable because of the way i look and really frustrated that i can’t do better. friends, family everyone CONSTANTLY tells me to let go of these demons of mine, that what i am thinking is not true at all, that i am blind or have issues for not seeing the things the way they actually are, but i can’t help it. i spend ages finding the right clothes to go out with, i have so many clothes yet i go out with the same stuff most of the time bc i feel like i look fat with the rest. such things cause me to miss my bus, be late and have people waiting for me. i constantly talk shit about the way i look and i understand that it’s so energy draining for the others to listen to me complaining, but i am genuinely not fishing for compliments or faking stuff. it’s nice to hear that others don’t see me the way i see myself, but it’s very hard to trust them more than my fucked up brain. it’s horrible. i am tired of this, i just want to become prettier TO MYSELF.

[@a_soul_astray4152]

I just wanted to say the ''TO MYSELF'' hits so damn hard ^^^

[@barbarainc]

Love what you do Dr. MARKS!! THANK YOU!!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re welcome Barbara. Thank you 😊

[@DragonX64567]

Thank you so much, this video explained it better than most other sources I found.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re welcome Sarah and thank you. 😊

[@lukeluedecke6568]

Thank you so much for making this video. It brought me to tears. I’ve been struggling for so long not knowing what was up... but now I think I do. Thank you.

[@mikahran7880]

As a teen girl this helps so much thank you!

[@ieatgremlins]

Oh, I hope you don’t feel this way. I remember being a teenage girl and it was hard. Stay strong and know your appearance is the least important and interesting thing about you.

[@syzygy4365]

Hold your head high, and remember if they pick on you they're probably just trying to impress someone who's watching.

[@RunToEternity]

I think my social anxiety was the biggest problem, but looking at myself in the mirror at the time I never felt I looked right. That I didn't look good as my perception of other people was. Also felt that I could never get my hair right, or that it would come undone during the day. I think this just added more fuel to my social anxiety.

[@SDBR]

I'm so glad I've found your channel. Could you please make a video on Binge Eating Disorder?

[@hayfaalfrd5850]

I love your videos , and I want to be like you in the near future 🙏🏻 you inspire me a lot , I want to spread knowledge about mental illnesses especially in my community . I’m a psychiatry resident in my first year .

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Oh awesome Hayfa! i’m so happy to hear this. Enjoy your training it’s a great time to soak in all the knowledge while you get to learn from your attendings. I loved my training (even though there were parts about it that got on my nerves) I love the people that I worked with and being in the academic setting. The years will go fast. All the best.

[@karlyaethyrmorrison8880]

Thank you for this video. It puts it into perspective in a way. I believe I have this disorder although I haven’t been diagnosed. I almost never leave my house and have never had a proper job because I’m so terrified of my face being looked at. I feel like I’m the ugliest person on earth even though everyone tells me I look fine, some people even say I’m pretty. Sometimes I even see my face as generically pretty but I still somehow paradoxically think I look hideous. I can’t even go into a grocery store without thinking the entire time that everyone I walk past is horrified and disgusted by my appearance. It’s really ruining my life as I’m 25 now and have been this way since childhood.

[@syzygy4365]

You have so much to live for. Don't let your fear of other people's opinions stop you from living your best life. Your 20's go by so fast. I blinked and mine were gone.

[@viktoriyarts]

only someone with BDD can understand another one with BDD..

[@nach4n]

I think people can understand it but wouldn’t know the experience

[@viktoriyarts]

@@nach4n for sure yeah

[@davidtichborne5090]

oh wow I new you're channel would blow up I started watching you only about a year ago and you're sub count has gone from about 26,000 to now about 124,000 within about a year

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thanks David for being in my corner. Yes I am very happy I made it to 100 K. That Was a milestone I really wanted to reach. 1 million on the other hand seems out of reach so at this point I hardly pay attention to the sub count anymore because 1M seems so far away. but that’s OK then I can just focus on doing what I came to do which is educate people.

[@GreenAndTheToe]

Thank you for giving me information that I would never know in my daily life. I think I would not jump to conclusions once I am informed about disorders and illnesses. Sorry English isn’t my first language but as someone who struggles from Bipolar disorder, I find your videos very fascinating :)

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re welcome August. I’m glad you find the videos interesting. Yes many of them are answering questions people aren’t necessarily searching for on KZbin. But that’s OK I still like giving information to the people who already watch my channel and are interested in general mental health topics.

[@young.nugget]

This is the 2nd video where I'm like how do you know my life? I'm dealing with all of this and it's crazy how accurate this is. But my situation is a real deal on my skin. Dealing with eczema and I hate how I look.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

☹️

[@mandadsn]

This is so amazing. So so true. Great perception of this disorder.

[@shae1005]

I wish there was more information about how ADHD can predispose you to this. Great video nonetheless! Saved to my favorites.

[@user-ui7tn1fq2b]

Hi, I know your comment is 2+ years old, but could you explain this a little? I’ve started looking into BDD because it causes me huge problems and I’m also waiting for an ADHD diagnosis. Is there a connection??

[@tabitha3555]

@@user-ui7tn1fq2b i think it can be linked to adhd because those with adhd tend to find things to obsess over and looks can be a huge obsession, especially if you have a “flaw” that really bothers you

[@user-ui7tn1fq2b]

@@tabitha3555 good to know, thank you

[@juanamazing5875]

I have to talk to a counselor in a couple more days and like I don't know what to expect but this is like part of it a lot of it like everything that you're saying like I'm getting a headache because it's on point

[@Chrriekay907]

Honestly some days I won't and can't even look in the mirror 😩

[@mybaby4248]

I’m 14 and struggle so much it’s hell. I go to the bathroom for 20-30 min looking at myself and always use my passing period to look at myself. I just feel ugly and gross that my body is disproportioned and that my face is ugly. I get insecure when I take off my mask and feel as if people are watching me and laughing .

[@TinaLynn]

I have always had this. I do not recognize the person in the mirror and have been very self conscious my entire life (I am 50 now). I haven't been on a date in over 15 years because I am convinced that I am fat, ugly and disgusting. I also have always been severely depressed and have made an attempt on my life. My father happened to come by my house and found me unconscious. But this led me to see how my family would react, so I just get out of bed every day for them and my cats. Nothing has helped. I was very pretty in my younger years, even competed in beauty pageants, even though I always thought I was fat/had issues/etc, but since menopause in my early 30's, my body changed and I no longer want to even see myself in a mirror. There is only one mirror here in the bathroom. Recognizing this was the first step... it is only just recently become an issue to get help with. Gabapentin actually helps get me out of my head and separates my mind from what I think of my body, so there's a start. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!

[@METRI.A]

i worked out everyday for 2 straight years completely changed my body but i still see myself as when i was young during my traumatic childhood people tell me i'm attractive but Its soo hard to accept bc my body image is messed up

[@Dachusttin]

Very informative video :) Helped a lot in the past

[@roxywyndham]

I’ve been struggling with BBD since I was a teenager. I competed in body building competitions and it wasn’t until I became fat from taking serious prescription medications that I realized I wasn’t fat back then. As you can imagine I see my self as a whale now. BBD compounded with BPD, anxiety, Depression and a lot of medical illness has made my life really rough. The medical illness affect my BBD and my BBD effects my BPD which effects my anxiety and depression. It’s such a hard time dealing with all of that. 😪

[@nelnason]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@muraliseetharaman1908]

Very informative video. Really useful.

[@ayaanhaider2419]

i dont know but i somewhat have this disorder. i have this skin condition called puriaucular skin tag which is a skin tag formed at the side of my ear and since the more i look into the mirror the more i feel hatred towards myself and slowly it makes me emotional and depressed all the time cuz this condition is so rare only me in my family have this. my mind is making me so crazy and having weird thoughts.i really tried to accept my skin condition and my body and the way i am but i cant. just over thinking about myself.i am 15 and this is the worst thing to be happen at this age.thanks for publishing this video it really helped me

[@HaileyWhisperingRoseofficial]

I decided to track my intrusive thoughts and compulsions to pick at my body and avoid any and all reflections or bad lighting... I have these obsessions and compulsive actions on average once every 15 minutes. I pull my face into the shaper I feel it should be with my fingers just so I don't have to see it for what it really is. Every 15 minutes, round the clock, every day, without a single exception, for the last three years. I couldn't even feel pretty on my wedding day. I' spend hours looking for ways to afford cosmetic surgery almost every day. I can't believe I've been living like this. I can't stop crying. I need help.

[@Elisasasa22]

I think a therapy and medicine prescribed by a specialist would help you. At least, it truly helped me. Courage, and don't give up! You know it's in your mind, and not in reality!

[@elfamosoalejandro7370]

Hi Dr. Marks, will you be doing a video (videos) about eating disorders ? Thank you so much for your work !

[@DrTraceyMarks]

I only have a couple of videos on eating disorders. It’s not my area of focus. But here’s one I did on binge eating disorder kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ-TYZp7d5WHatE Kati Morton has a lot of videos on eating disorders.

[@Dayzhallewellyn]

ive been trying to change my appearance since i was 7 im never satisfied with myself i hate how i look yet everyone says i have a beautiful body im constantly asking people "do i look fat?" i go through phases of loving and hating myself yet i always go back to hating the way i look. if you want to see how i look my IG is Dayzha Llewellyn

[@eli-yk7lx]

This disorder is EXHAUSTING. I spend hours picking at myself, looking at my flaws in the mirror.

[@fembot521]

I feel this way too. Logically I know I can’t be this ugly as I have never had negative feedback. However thoughts about my body and how fat and ugly I am occupies my mind constantly. It interferes with my life and I don’t leave the house. Its been going on since 2013.

[@NickRyanBayon]

@drtracymarks can i ask you something, i'm Bipolar I, when i am in a hypomanic or manic episode and rarely in a mixed episode i get these strange urges to seek violent relationships, or sexual encounters which lead me to see dangrous pleasureable activities, what i mean is i tend to look for violent sex hitting, being cut, hurt etc. Idk why i tend to do this but i get almost euphoria from it, and if conscentual will even enjoy inflicting pain. Is this normal for some people wit BP? I also have a history of self harm, does that explain why? Please help.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

That’s not a part of bipolar disorder hypersexuality can be a part of it but the interest you have has to do with other factors like your personality and your prior exposures. Some people develop different types of fetishes based on prior experience or the influence of others or watching pornography.

[@SuperLucylola]

sounds like borderline personilty disorder do you have a past of sexual trauma?

[@Chamelionroses]

It is difficult to avoid this and really realized how all my life since 5 years old having issues with picking and nail biting. Then keeping my hands occupied with gaming and social media almost to point of addiction. There seems to be so many issues to deal but at least getting some help for mental health now.

[@deborahburrows3282]

I have this with my skin,, I’ve done so much damage trying to make it better…. It’s depressed me no end and I’m now 62 and still worried… it’s the most awful problem not many understand.

[@hooshangranji2673]

Thank You Dr Marks. The great examples you have provided here make it easy to understand and manage BDD.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Oh that’s great you’re welcome.

[@hooshangranji2673]

@@DrTraceyMarks I was wondering if you've published videos about pediatric mental health topics such as Autism Spectrum disorder, or Learning disorders, etc. I'd appreciate if let me know about this or any other resources that could be as useful as your videos are. Thank you in advance.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

@@hooshangranji2673 I'm an adult psychiatrist so I don't do much kids stuff. But I did do a video on autism spectrum here kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZCVZ39oZqagjLM

[@KaizerSozeRaps]

As a bodybuilder....this means a lot

[@monaelabed3756]

Is it bdd if I am actually overweight but my body is constantly on my mind I mean CONSTANT . I am fat and I know it but I don’t know how to not think I’m disgusting all day

[@SlasherYT-kc3wg]

Fuck no BDD is a joke it is just knowing u look bad and different it may be a little over dramatic but therapist sugarcoat it u see how u really look u should do something abt it not accept it

[@pineappleflow2876]

@@SlasherYT-kc3wg Some people can't do anything about it, it's not so easy.

[@mygetawayart]

as someone who has had BDD for over half my life, I think the most common causes of BDD aren't necessarily neurological. Yeah, looking obsessively for the tiniest, imperceptible details to pick on triggers it and makes it almost unbeatable, but what causes it is most often to blame on exterior, environmental stimuli. Things like bullying, parental abuse, advertisement, exposure to social media etc... Those are what cause it. When people keep insulting the way that you look, you try to block it out until you believe it yourself and it becomes part of you. BDD is, in my opinion and in my experience, very trauma-related.

[@dnap0lymerase171]

Would you mind doing a video on BDD in the context of anorexia & other EDs focused on weight loss? I experience all of these symptoms but specifically about my body size/shape/composition etc. My father also experienced this but in the form of muscle dysmorphia.

[@haniasn2365]

I can relate in some way to this disorder, but that's not totally it. I'm so scared to never find out what really is the issue with me. I've got an awful experience with my body, it's a living nightmare to wake up and look that way. In bad days, I can't even look at myself in a mirror, I feel sick just thinking about my body, I want to hurt it and destroy it. In good days I just ignore my appearance ; I try to distance myself with what I look like, as if my body wasn't mine. I hate my face because I don't recognize myself in it. I hate my body because I feel no connection to it. It's like being always dissociated with it, I can recognize myself in photos but there was a point where I couldn't. It's been years, and it's terrible. When I think of my "true" apparence, it's all blurred up and empty, as if I didn't have one. I don't know if anyone else has had this kind of experience.

[@maharsiwilaghassani1294]

Oh my god.. the first 2 minutes hits so close to home i'm almost crying

[@d.carter]

I have had bdd since I was in high school. I also have OCD and bipolar disorder. I even attempted to have rhinoplasty but had an anaphylactic reaction from Droperidol. I have always been concerned with the size of my nose but I don't have the money for cosmetic surgery now. I constantly change my hairstyle and color. I am on medication but I don't think it always works. Thanks for the ideas.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re welcome Donna. I hope some of the behavioral approaches can work for you.

[@1345mack]

Thank you for the info, I belive I have this disorder, I live in pure Hell worrying about myself and body fetchers. How do I go about finding a Dr. in my area that specializing in BDD

[@allabouttrue504]

I just turned 16 on sept 12 and I’ve been dealing wit my bdd for about 3 years now. I did everything Amy did besides fully going through with killing myself but I do think about it very frequently. Majority of my time goes to comparing myself ,getting depressed and trying to find ways to either hurt myself or change myself. My symptoms worsens especially around my period and I hate it. I feel like my stomach is bigger than my body (most people don’t agree wit me ) I think I don’t have any hips yet and it makes me depressed a lot cause I see so many my age with gorgeous bodies I just wish I can fix this and live a normal life .🥺

[@vanessazawaski8451]

Dr. Marks, do you think you could do a video on ARfid? I developed this a month after having panic attacks and its progressively got worse.

[@ananyachaudhari]

I discovered body dysmorphic disorder yesterday. I am teen. I have a round nose, asymmetrical jawline, small teeth and big forehead or at least I think so. I know that my nose is round but nobody has ever mentioned the other stuff to me. I asked my mom about the other stuff and she was like nope, what I see is normal and u look pretty. I constantly ask her if I am pretty and she says that yes I am. I spend hours in front of the mirror glaring at my flaws and constantly thinking about how ugly I am. I'm waiting for my 18th birthday so that I can finally get cosmetic surgery. I looked up the symptoms and they match my daily habits and insecurities.I try to hide these fakes by covering them or by accessories. I'm saving up money for a makeup kit so that I can hide them. I realized that my flaws are minor and people hardly even see them but I have convinced myself that I am ugly. Is it possible that I am suffering from BDD?

[@Sammysapphira]

Surgery will only make your feelings worse. Trust me.

[@John-vk1py]

I suffered from this in silence throughout my teenage years. I ended up becoming too afraid to leave the house and threatened suicide unless I got plastic surgery. My parents gave in. I got the surgery, and I felt better momentarily and then a few months later I still wasn’t happy and found other flaws. I didn’t feel better until I was thrown in a situation where I wasn’t able to cover my flaw up, and despite my anxiety I had to make do with having my flaw exposed. Somehow it worked. But I think therapy would’ve been a much easier option to begin with, but for some reason mine didn’t seem to think that BDD existed.

[@agp2023]

I have depression, and bdd just brings me down, everytime I look at myself in the mirror all I see are my acne, so I ended up skin picking everytime I am in front of a mirror, it turned into an obsession, to the point where other parts of my body started to get bruised. This started to destroy my life (specially between 5th and 8th grade), most of my classmates weren't mean to me, some even tried to befriend me but I thought they would get bored of me and if they knew about this ilness they would stay as far away from me as possible, for that reason I started to hang out with the loosers and got into an extremely toxic relationship. Now I am 16 and I got a little better but it's still hard to befriend people since bdd heights in my conscience, I can't use some types of clothes because my scar can be seen, and I also started to use makeup, I look like a plastic doll, and I refuse to get out of my house without a fullface makeup, since I will look ugly as heck. I also did try to go to a psychiatrist but my mother told me that I was just being a drama queen and refused, even thought she already knows that I have bdd, she gets EXTREMELY angry at me because of it, and tells me fricking lies about the help she will give me when she doesn't even know HOW. P.S: my english sucks, but I tried my best, also to the ones that might be reading this, thanks :)

[@Luke0193]

Hey Dr. Marks I really appreciate your channel. Could you do a video of how psychedelic drugs like LSD or Mushrooms affect your brain or how they can cause psychosis? Since I remember lot of people really struggling with their mental health after taking some of those

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thanks Lucas for the suggestion. I will add it to my list. It’s an interesting question to address whether or not these drugs have long-term effects.

[@meowmilkers4768]

I’ve been feeling super insecure about my dark circles under my eyes for a while. I avoid looking into mirrors, and cry whenever i do look into them. I really can’t stand the sight of myself. I’m ashamed to be in puclic, because of my dark circles under my eyes. whenever i see someone, i look under their eyes, and compare them to myself. i’ve been having some suicidal thoughts, because, how would anyone ever love me when i have those dark under eyes? i began thinking that it wasn’t normal to feel so insecure, so i searched it up, and found bdd. Now, i’m just wondering what to do, because - what if i really just am that ugly?

[@pineappleflow2876]

I have the same problem, i tried surgery but it didn't work on me, i am still recovering but it isn't looking good. If you want to talk about it, i am here.

[@Betternow1974]

I have this for sure

[@Natalia-tq9qx]

I believe I have skin picking disorder, so I have really badly scarred up legs. They're pink and purple or bloody and scabby. My parents and other family point this out sometimes, and its made me really self conscious. I always want to wear leggings at school now, but it actually helps because I focus on my legs less and pick less. It probably also explains why I take so long in the morning. I pluck my eyebrows everyday to make sure they're as good as they'll get, squeeze my face, and check every part of it. My nostrils are also huge to me, and I can't help but think people notice every hair in it and how big they are. I also have moles that really bother me, but I told my friend and she hadn't even noticed it. Still bothers me tho. Is it normal that sometimes something looks weird, but then it doesn't? Like sometimes my nose looks huge to me, but other times it looks normal. What is that if its not all the time?

[@generalrepair8731]

Dr Marks , What a great video. BDD sounds as bad as a day in the life of BPD . Another mental illness it’s sad 😢 . another life consuming problem. Nobody understands people with BDD or BPD they just want to judge and put you down . You simply have to be normal to be something in this world. With that being said can you do a video on Trictotillimania ? General repair

[@Bratzmaniac29]

General Repair I have both too 😩 always feel misunderstood

[@generalrepair8731]

Olivia Moore I have BPD only but it sucks . You have both ? That’s awful. I feel for you girl ! If you need someone to talk to I’m here ! I will try to help and talk to anyone who wants to chat 💭! Have a good day Ms Olivia.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You have BDD too? Good gracious. Yes I’ll eventually do one on trichotillomania. That’s on my list. I need to look up a couple things though to see what we know about what’s behind it. Whenever I talk about topics where I’m defining an illness I need to have another angle to focus on other than just defining it.

[@generalrepair8731]

Dr. Tracey Marks No I’m just bipolar I do not have body dysmorphic disorder sorry if there was misunderstanding or miss leading !

[@generalrepair8731]

Being Better it’s BPD for bi polar disorder BPD . I asked dr Marks to do a video on hair pulling. Good day ma’am