Am I Experiencing Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

A symptom checklist to help clients reflect on signs of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and explore whether a professional assessment may be beneficial.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Overview

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance – flaws that are either not observable or appear minor to others. Drawing on recognised diagnostic frameworks (DSM-5 and ICD-11) this symptom checklist offers clinicians and clients an accessible way to consider whether a person’s experiences may reflect features of BDD. It is not intended to provide a formal diagnosis or measure severity, but it can support early discussions about whether further assessment is warranted.

Why Use This Resource?

This symptom checklist provides a structured way to begin meaningful conversations:

  • Aids in the early recognition of BDD symptoms and related distress.  
  • Encourages client reflection on patterns of preoccupation and avoidance.  
  • Facilitates therapeutic discussion around body image and self-evaluation.  
  • Helps connect lived experience to recognised diagnostic frameworks.

Key Benefits

Clarity

Offers a straightforward and accessible symptom checklist.

Engaging

Encourages therapeutic conversations and reflective exploration.

Supportive

Complements, but does not replace, formal clinical assessment.

Who is this for?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

For clients who experience persistent concerns about perceived physical flaws, often accompanied by distress or impairment.

Appearance-related distress

For individuals distressed by specific aspects of their appearance, regardless of diagnostic status.

Integrating it into your practice

01

Introduce

Gently introduce the possibility of BDD using the suggested therapeutic prompt.

02

Explore

Work through the checklist together to reflect on preoccupations and their impact.

03

Review

Consider the pattern and severity of responses in relation to diagnostic criteria.

04

Plan

Use the responses to guide next steps, such as further assessment, referral, or psychoeducation.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Body dysmorphic disorder is a psychological difficulty marked by intense focus on perceived flaws in physical appearance – flaws that are either unnoticeable or minor to others. According to the DSM-5, diagnostic features include preoccupation with appearance, repetitive behaviors (such as mirror checking or grooming), and clinically significant distress or functional impairment. ICD-11 also highlights excessive self-consciousness, avoidance of triggering situations, and impairment such that considerable effort is required to maintain functioning.

This symptom checklist is informed by both DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria. It is not intended to provide a formal diagnosis or assess severity but may support early recognition and therapeutic exploration. Clinicians can use it to validate a client’s experiences and facilitate conversations that may lead to further assessment.

What's inside

  • An 8-item symptom checklist reflecting key features of body dysmorphia.  
  • A suggested therapist prompt for introducing the tool in session.  
  • Guidance to help clients interpret their responses and seek further support if needed.
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FAQs

No. It is a symptom checklist designed to indicate whether further assessment may be useful. Diagnosis should only be made by qualified professionals using validated tools.
Use this as an opportunity to validate their experience and consider discussing formal assessment or specialist referral.
While many people have appearance-related worries, BDD involves persistent preoccupation, significant distress, and functional impairment.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

This resource enhances clinical practice by:

  • Supporting early identification of body image-related psychopathology.  
  • Facilitating structured, compassionate discussions about body image.  
  • Encouraging timely referral or treatment planning when appropriate.

References And Further Reading

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).  
  • Hartmann, A. S., Buhlmann, U., & Phillips, K. A. (2017). Prevalence and under-recognition of body dysmorphic disorder. In: Phillips, K. A. (Ed.), Body dysmorphic disorder: Advances in Research and Clinical Practice (pp. 49–60). Oxford University Press.  
  • World Health Organization. (2019). ICD-11: International classification of diseases (11th revision). Retrieved from https://icd.who.int/