Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a condition that causes obsessive thinking about a supposed physical flaw that is either imagined or hardly noticeable to others. The condition often surfaces during the teenage years, when we are most likely to be concerned with the physical changes of adolescence.

Social media can also magnify or contribute to body dysmorphic disorder, by giving opportunities to constantly compare oneself with others. Many people with BDD find themselves compulsively checking the perceived flaw in the mirror or photographs. 

Although many individuals may find themselves irritated by a real or imagined physical imperfection, sufferers from BDD are likely to spend hours every day obsessing and worrying about theirs. Some may also find themselves taking excessive measures to correct the flaw such as surgery.

Sufferers of BDD often feel so repelled or offended by their perceived flaw that they attempt to hide it, or even themselves, from others. In severe cases, BDD can lead to social isolation, depression, self-harm or agoraphobia.

Some people with BDD cannot bear to look at themselves at all, while others are forever looking at themselves in the mirror, obsessing about their looks and feeling distraught at what they say. They will often attempt to find reassurance by pointing out the flaws to others, which can be misconstrued as fishing for compliments.