Body Dysmorphia Test (2024)

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.

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 ↩