Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a body image disorder in which individuals are preoccupied with a perceived flaw in physical appearance, which can result in severe functional impairment and suffering. Individuals with BDD usually focus on one or more aspects of their appearance, such as skin, nose, hair, eyes (or any other part of their appearance), which they believe to be defective or ugly. Individuals with BDD often feel depressed, anxious and ashamed. Their degree of anguish and distress is such that it interferes with their day-to-day activities such as work, school, or social situations.

BDD is believed to affect 1-2% of the general population. It also affects as many as 6-14% of those in mental health settings presenting with an anxiety or depressive disorder, 10-15% of those in dermatology settings, and 6-15% in cosmetic surgery settings.

People with BDD frequently compare their appearance to others and check their appearance in mirrors or other reflective surfaces. They often camouflage their perceived flaw with make-up, hair, or clothing. They may change their body position to only allow people to see them from certain angles or in certain lightinig conditions. Other behaviors include mirror avoidance, skin picking and seeking out dermatologists or plastic surgeons with the hope they can overcome the distress by changing the perceived defect.

UCLA Anxiety Disorders Program

Anxiety Disorders are the most prevalent health problems in the United States, surpassing alcohol and drug abuse. Affecting one out of every five people, these disorders are complex conditions that can manifest in a variety of ways.

Most of us have experienced anxiety at some point in our lives. It is a normal response to threatening situations. Under certain circumstances, anxiety can actually help us to evaluate and mobilize our resources in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones. In moderation, it can also help us to be more efficient and improve our performance in some tasks. However, in excess, anxiety can hinder our abilities and interfere with our daily lives. At extreme levels, it can severely impair our functioning. When a person's life becomes this disrupted, he/she may be suffering from an Anxiety Disorder and could need professional intervention. As Anxiety Disorders present in different forms, it is essential to obtain a proper evaluation by a trained professional who can determine to the most suitable treatment.

The UCLA Semel Insititue Anxiety Disorders Program is one of the finest programs in United States for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of Anxiety Disorders and offers a wide variety of services. UCLA is also one of the premier research facilities in the country. This gives our highly trained faculty and staff, made up of several collaborative groups, access to the most current information, treatment, and technology in the areas of brain research, psychiatry and psychology.

The UCLA Semel Institute Anxiety Disorders Program is also involved in pioneering work using an internet-based program to increase awareness of Anxiety Disorders and to improve access to evidence-based treatment. In collaboration with other leading experts in the field, the UCLA Semel Institute Anxiety Disorders Program has helped to create Anxiety.org, a website that contains an evidence-based self-help program, serves as a nexus between individuals with Anxiety Disorders and treatment providers, and publishes up-to-date information on Anxiety Disorders and their treatment.

The information provided in these pages is meant as a guideline only, and should not be used to diagnose yourself or another. Again, to make a valid diagnosis and receive the correct treatment, it is necessary to have an evaluation done by trained mental health professionals