Body Dysmorphia Test (2024)

Basic information

Statements:20
Duration:3–5 minutes
Type:Self-assessment
Seminal work:Deenz Body Dysmorphic Scale (DBDS-20) [ref] Development and Validation of the Deenz Body Dysmorphic Scale (DBDS-20)
Publishing year:2024
Instructions:Body dysmorphia test is a digitally adopted version of Deenz Body Dysmorphic Scale (DBDS-20), designed to measure multidimensional aspects of Body dysmorphia and its impact on overall well-being. The self-assessment consists of 20 statements, for each statement, you need to indicate your level of agreement.

Body dysmorphic test is available in the following languages:

Participation in the body dysmorphic test is completely anonymous, and we value your privacy. The research conducted on the development and validation of the Deenz Body Dysmorphic Scale (DBDS-20) is in no way associated with this computerized version. The results are provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered as definite diagnosis.

Dr. Enrico Morselli 1891 coined the word “dysmorphophobia” characterized by excessive concern about physical appearance. [1] “Enrico Morselli and the Invention of Dysmorphophobia.” Body Image, Eating, and Weight: A Guide to Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention (2018): 85-95. Modern psychology emphasizes understanding these concerns about physical flaws on a spectrum and their impact on individuals’ mental and social well-being. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association in its third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) recognized dysmorphophobia as a distinct mental health disorder. Over time the understanding and classification of this condition evolved and in 1994 with the release of the fourth edition (DSM-IV) the term “dysmorphophobia” was changed to “body dysmorphic disorder”. [2] Constantian MB. The new criteria for body dysmorphic disorder: who makes the diagnosis?. 2013 Dec 1;132(6):1759-62.

Researchers and psychologists strive to provide a standardized and systematic way of assessing the presence and measuring the impact of Body Dysmorphic Disorder on social, mental, and interpersonal relationships. [3] Erickson M. Body Dysmorphia in the Age of the Internet. Recognizing this need led to the development of the Deenz Body Dysmorphic Scale, designed to measure impact and concern levels across different domains. In a case study conducted on college students for validation of the scale, the DBDS(20) scale helped identify students who were at risk of body dysmorphic disorder.

Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Concern Levels:

Obsession: (Obsessive Focus on Appearance). It is okay to find yourself worrying a lot about your physical appearance before going to parties and participating in social events. Everyone strives to be more attractive in social situations but some people are more than what we call excessive worrying about their physical appearance and this leads them to be preoccupied with obsessive thoughts even when others might not notice any defect. [4] Vashi, Neelam A. “Obsession with perfection: Body dysmorphia.” Clinics in dermatology 34.6 (2016): 788-791.

Repetitive: (Repetitive Behaviors) Repeated actions such as checking the mirror over and over again and touching the body part which one considers as a cause of concern in psychical appearance lead to the risk of developing Body Dysmorphic disorder.

Rumination: (Persistent Negative Thoughts) Sometimes we all face negative thoughts about our physical appearance when we have to go to important meetings and meet new people. Some people are more concerned about their appearance than what we consider normal which leads them to miss or withdraw from participation. The persistent negative thoughts about physical appearance or concern about any physical flaw may lead to anxiety and in rare cases, it may lead to depression and low self-esteem. [5] Mancusi LM. The effects of social comparison and disgust on evaluating appearance related stimuli in body dysmorphia

Avoidance: (Avoidance Behaviors and Social Situations) Avoidance behaviors may be considered a hallmark trait of body disormaphia disorder if other traits show high concern levels. People who score high on this trait may try to avoid places, situations, and activities because they feel that they may be perceived as psychically abnormal.

Disruption: (Impaired Cognitive and Social Functioning) People with Body Dysmorphic disorder face several challenges. Due to preoccupation with negative thoughts and repeated actions to fix their physical flaws, they face cognitive and social impairment. They might face difficulty with memory, concentration, and decision-making. They also face social and interpersonal problems such as meeting new people, maintaining long-term relations, and academic challenges.

Some individuals are concerned with a physical defect such as a pimple, dark spot, belly fat or any other flaw that may be easily noticeable. Some times they have a valid reason to be concerned but most often they have unrealistic fear or worry about their physical appearance. However, individuals who are preoccupied with one or more perceived defects or flaws in their physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others may be at higher risk of developing Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

The criteria for the diagnosis of this disorder has been outlined in the DSM-5 include the following: individuals must be preoccupied with perceived defects or flaws in their physical appearance that are not observable to others. The individuals must have a history of engaging in repetitive behaviors, such as mirror checking and excessive grooming, as a response to their appearance concerns. The appearance concerns should cause significant distress or social and occupational impairment. The concerns about appearance should not be related to body fat or weight, or to individuals who meet the criteria for an eating disorder. [6] Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders

The quiz provided by Drdeenz is not a diagnostic tool to make a clinical diagnosis of the any mental health condition so this self-assessment tool is not the only option to make a proper diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder. A clinical interview is necessary for the proper diagnosis and only a mental health professional can provide final and proper diagnosis.

  1. Development and Validation of the Deenz Body Dysmorphic Scale (DBDS-20) in a College Student Population https://doi.org/10.14293/pr2199.000753.v1

  2. Cuzzolaro M, Nizzoli U. Enrico Morselli and the Invention of Dysmorphophobia. Body Image, Eating, and Weight: A Guide to Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention. 2018:85-95. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90817-5_6

  3. Phillips KA. Body dysmorphic disorder: the distress of imagined ugliness. Am J Psychiatry. 1991 Sep 1;148(9):1138-49. Google scholar

  4. Erickson, M. “Body Dysmorphia in the Age of the Internet.” (2016). Google Scholar

  5. Vashi, N. A. (2016). Obsession with perfection: Body dysmorphia. Clinics in Dermatology, 34(6), 788-791. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.04.006

  6. Mancusi, L. M. (2015). The effects of social comparison and disgust on evaluating appearance related stimuli in body dysmorphia (Doctoral dissertation, Fordham University). Google Scholar

  7. American Psychiatric Association DS, American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. Washington, DC: American psychiatric association; 2013 May 22. Google Scholar

Body Dysmorphia Test (2024)

FAQs

What are 5 symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder? ›

Symptoms of BDD include:
  • Constantly checking yourself in the mirror.
  • Avoiding mirrors.
  • Trying to hide your body part under a hat, scarf, or makeup.
  • Constantly exercising or grooming.
  • Constantly comparing yourself with others.
  • Always asking other people whether you look OK.

How to check if you have body dysmorphia? ›

Symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

spend a lot of time comparing your looks with other people's. look at yourself in mirrors a lot or avoid mirrors altogether. go to a lot of effort to conceal flaws – for example, by spending a long time combing your hair, applying make-up or choosing clothes.

Is body dysmorphia a form of anxiety? ›

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an anxiety disorder related to body image.

What triggers body dysmorphia? ›

Like many other mental health conditions, body dysmorphic disorder may result from a combination of issues, such as a family history of the disorder, negative evaluations or experiences about your body or self-image, and abnormal brain function or abnormal levels of the brain chemical called serotonin.

What is a trigger warning for body dysmorphia? ›

Some of the most common include (but aren't limited to): Spending excessive amounts of time thinking about at least one thing about your body you think is a “flaw” or “defect,” even though others say it isn't significant or don't notice it. This can also cause you to compare your appearance to how other people look.

What body dysmorphia feels like? ›

BDD can cause extreme emotional distress, including feeling of anxiety, shame, depression and disgust. Even if sufferers' concerns about their appearance aren't noticeable to others, their distress is very real.

Is it OK to self diagnose body dysmorphia? ›

Only a trained health professional can diagnose BDD, although the questionnaire can help guide you and your health professional. The questionnaire assumes that you do NOT have a disfigurement or a defect that is easily noticeable. The judgment on how noticeable your feature(s) can be made by a health professional.

What is the best treatment for body dysmorphia? ›

Multiple studies have suggested that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and various cognitive behavioral therapy modalities are effective first-line treatments in decreasing BDD severity, relieving depressive symptoms, restoring insight, and increasing quality of life.

What is body dysphoria vs dysmorphia? ›

Body dysmorphia is a mental health condition in which a person feels extreme concern about the way they look. Body dysphoria occurs when a person feels extreme distress about their gender identity.

What are the signs of poor body image? ›

Checking behaviours (e.g. checking appearance in reflection, measuring body parts, pinching skin) Spending a lot of time on appearance, hair, make-up or clothing. Thinking or talking a lot about thinness, muscles or physique. Consistent negative talk about themselves and/or people with higher weight.

What do people with body dysmorphia see? ›

Someone with body dysmorphic disorder doesn't see their body as it really is or as others see it. The "flaws" they focus on are things that others can hardly notice. They exaggerate them, so things seem worse in their minds.

What is reverse body dysmorphia? ›

With RBDS, a crumbling middle-aged person such as myself looks in the mirror and sees a wonderfully sophisticated, coolly attractive, surprisingly youthful slim person.

How do you snap out of body dysmorphia? ›

Consider these tips to help cope with body dysmorphic disorder:
  1. Write in a journal. ...
  2. Don't become isolated. ...
  3. Take care of yourself. ...
  4. Join a support group. ...
  5. Stay focused on your goals. ...
  6. Learn relaxation and stress management. ...
  7. Don't make important decisions when you're feeling distress or despair.
Dec 13, 2022

What not to say to someone with body dysmorphia? ›

Saying things like “I know exactly how you feel” or trying to compare their symptoms with something you've felt before comes across as dismissive and makes it seem like you don't care. Do not make the conversation about yourself.

What chemical imbalance causes body dysmorphia? ›

It found indirect evidence of abnormal serotonin function in those with BDD, as reflected by decreased serotonin binding densities. Multiple treatment studies using medications called serotonin reuptake inhibitors showed that they significantly decrease BDD symptoms.

What is the behavior of a person with body dysmorphic disorder? ›

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness characterised by constant worrying over a perceived or slight defect in appearance. Repetitive behaviours are performed in response to these concerns about appearance. BDD usually starts in the teenage years, when concern over physical appearance is common.

What are the two types of body dysmorphia? ›

There are two subtypes of BDD: Muscle Dysmorphia and BDD by Proxy. Both of these subtypes appear to respond to the same basic treatment strategies as BDD (cognitive behavior therapy or CBT and medications). However, the CBT therapist in particular needs to adjust the treatment so that it has the right focus.

What is a key feature of body dysmorphic disorder? ›

Body Dysmorphic Disorder DSM-5-TR Criteria

Affected patients experience preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or only slightly observable to others. Affected patients perform repetitive behaviors.

What are the most common problem areas for people living with BDD? ›

Problem Areas and BDD

Katherine Philips found that of more than 500 people with BDD, patients were most unhappy with the following body parts: hair (56%) nose (37%) weight (22%)

References

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