Dysmorphophobia is characterized by obsession and over-thinking about an “imaginary defect”. It induces stress in the person, social withdrawal and other disorders (food, obsessive, hygiene, etc.).

Dysmorphophobia is characterized by excessive thoughts and obsession with an imaginary defect or a small physical defect, the perception of which of the person is completely disproportionate. The person with dysmorphophobia has a bad self-image. These obsessive manifestations lead to negative attitudes, even harmful for the person (destructive thinking, uncontrolled emotions, disproportionate behaviors, etc.). These can then impact the social, family and professional life of the patient.

The manifestations and clinical signs of dysmorphophobia can also result in mental disorders: attention, diet, hygiene, and others.

In general, the part of the body most often affected by dysmorphophobia is the head and face. But any part of the body can be the object of such an attack: the legs, the stomach, the chest, etc.

Dysmorphophobia is an obsessive behavioral disorder characterized by obsessions and exaggeration of a defect that may be imaginary. The causes of such a syndrome are then little known, even unknown. As dysmorphophobia particularly affects adolescents, puberty therefore makes it a risk factor.

Anyone can be confronted with a dysmorphophobic syndrome.

However, adolescents are more concerned, especially in view of the significant changes in their body. Dysmorphophobia affects both men and women.

The consequences of dysmorphophobia can be serious. In fact, in the most extreme cases, resorting to cosmetic surgery or even medical procedures excessively can have significant consequences on the person’s body.

The exclusion from certain activities and social withdrawal can also be a source of degradation of the moral state of the person, which can lead to suicide in the most serious cases.

Dysmorphophobia is particularly reflected by:

• obsessions and a very important concern of the defect perceived excessively
• spend his time looking at himself in the mirror and scrutinizing this “imaginary flaw” or Conversely, crowding out mirrors and shiny surfaces that can reflect one’s image
• hiding the missing part of the body (wearing a hat, scarf, gloves, etc.)
• making excessive appointments with health professionals
• the use of cosmetic surgery
• social withdrawal (eviction from public places for example)
• depressive, anxious, and other feelings and emotions.

The management and treatment of dysmorphophobia involves, in particular, cognitive behavioral psychotherapy (CBT). These practices make it possible in particular to put the individual back on the right path, by making him realize that perfection does not exist.

The therapeutic treatment most often associated with dysmorphophobia is reflected in particular by taking an anti-depressant.