Body dysmorphic disorder is more common than eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, yet few people are aware of its dangers

Those with body dysmorphic disorder often check themselves – and their perceived defects. Stevica Mrdja/EyeEm via Getty Images

While eating disorders have been widely publicized for decades, far less attention has been given to a related condition called body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD.

Body dysmorphic disorder is often hidden from public view due to the shame people feel about one or more parts of their body, yet it is a devastating, debilitating psychological condition. People with the disorder suffer from obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors related to their appearance.