The word comes from the Greek dys = miss-, morphe = shape, external appearance, phobios = fear, anxiety, thus the “fear of deformity”. Dysmorphophobia is a psychological disorder in which the affected person believes to be severely disfigured. At the same time, the supposed defect is either hardly noticeable to others or even not noticeable at all. Due to their fear, dysmorphophobes constantly check the supposed defect – at least one hour per day. 35 percent even think about it for more than eight hours a day. They constantly check themselves in the mirror, have the feeling of being stared at by everyone and constantly think about things like: how does the world around me find me or why do I only have this flaw? The whole everyday life revolves around the alleged defective appearance, at some point compulsive behaviors appear.
Self-insecurity and feelings of inferiority
Dysmorphophics experience themselves as distinctly unattractive, disfigured or ugly. The joy of life dwindles more and more, new fears such as the fear of a relationship are added. Those affected often fall into depression. They often no longer dare to leave the house and withdraw more and more from social life. For other people these behaviors are not comprehensible, because they do not know the reason and also cannot understand it. Whether protruding teeth or X-legs – everything can be perceived as a deficiency. Wrinkles on the face, the shape of the nose or mouth, thin hair in men, thick thighs – the list could go on and on.
Affected by dysmorphophobia
People between the ages of 15 and 30 are most often affected; men and women in equal numbers. Not much has become known about the background of such a disorder, but the fact that this mental illness leads to lasting social, professional and other impairments is obvious to everyone. Those who suffer from dysmorphophobia are usually unable to free themselves without medical help. Psychotherapeutic treatment can help eliminate the disorder.
