Body Dysmorphia Test

A screening assessment for body dysmorphic disorder symptoms

About this assessment: This screening test is based on the clinical criteria for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) as outlined in the DSM-5-TR. BDD is a mental health condition where individuals experience intense preoccupation with perceived flaws in their physical appearance that are not observable or only slightly observable to others. This preoccupation causes significant distress and interferes with daily life.

⏱️ Time: 5-7 minutes

📝 20 Questions

Important Notice: This test is for educational and screening purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool and cannot replace a professional evaluation by a qualified mental health provider. If you’re experiencing distressing symptoms, please consult with a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist for proper assessment and treatment.

Question 1

How much time do you spend thinking about your appearance or perceived flaws each day?

Less than 30 minutes

30 minutes to 1 hour

1 to 3 hours

More than 3 hours

Question 2

Do you believe you have one or more defects or flaws in your physical appearance that make you look unattractive, abnormal, or deformed?

Not at all

Slightly concerned, but not often

Yes, I frequently feel this way

Yes, I’m completely convinced of this

Question 3

How often do you check your appearance in mirrors, windows, or other reflective surfaces?

Normal amount (a few times per day)

Several times per day

Many times throughout the day

Constantly or I completely avoid mirrors

Question 4

Do you frequently compare your appearance to others?

Rarely or never

Occasionally

Often throughout the day

Almost constantly with everyone I see

Question 5

How much time do you spend grooming, applying makeup, styling your hair, or engaging in other appearance-related behaviors?

Normal amount (under 1 hour)

1 to 2 hours

2 to 4 hours

More than 4 hours

Question 6

Do you try to hide or camouflage parts of your body with clothing, makeup, hats, or body positioning?

Not at all

Sometimes

Frequently

Always, I never leave home without camouflaging

Question 7

Do you seek reassurance from others about your appearance?

Rarely or never

Occasionally

Frequently

Constantly, but I’m never satisfied with the answers

Question 8

Do you touch, measure, or examine the body parts you’re concerned about?

Sometimes

Often throughout the day

Constantly, I can’t stop myself

Question 9

Do you pick at your skin to try to improve its appearance?

Never or rarely

Sometimes

Often, causing visible damage

Frequently, causing significant damage or scarring

Question 10

How much does your concern about your appearance interfere with your social life?

Not at all

Mildly, I’m sometimes uncomfortable

Moderately, I often avoid social situations

Severely, I avoid most or all social interactions

Question 11

How much does your concern about your appearance interfere with your work, school, or other responsibilities?

Not at all

Mildly, I’m occasionally distracted

Moderately, it affects my performance

Severely, I’ve missed work/school or can’t function

Question 12

Do you avoid looking at yourself in mirrors or reflective surfaces?

No, I look at myself normally

Sometimes I avoid them

I often avoid them

I completely avoid mirrors and reflective surfaces

Question 13

How much emotional distress do your appearance concerns cause you?

Little to none

Mild distress

Moderate to severe distress

Extreme distress, causing depression or anxiety

Question 14

Have you sought or considered cosmetic procedures, surgeries, or dermatological treatments for your appearance concerns?

I’ve considered it

I’ve had one or more procedures

I’ve had multiple procedures and still unsatisfied

Question 15

Do you believe that others take special notice of your appearance in a negative way?

Sometimes I think this

I frequently believe people are staring or mocking me

I’m certain people are judging or mocking my appearance

Question 16

Do you research your appearance concerns online or seek information about treatments?

Rarely or never

Occasionally

Frequently, spending significant time

Excessively, spending hours daily

Question 17

Have your appearance concerns led you to avoid being photographed or videotaped?

Sometimes I feel uncomfortable

I often avoid photos or delete most of them

I completely refuse to be photographed

Question 18

How difficult is it for you to control or resist thoughts about your appearance?

Not difficult, I can easily control them

Somewhat difficult

Very difficult, thoughts are intrusive

Impossible, thoughts are completely uncontrollable

Question 19

Have your appearance concerns affected your romantic relationships or dating life?

Not at all

Slightly, I’m sometimes self-conscious

Significantly, I avoid intimacy or dating

Severely, I can’t engage in romantic relationships

Question 20

On a scale of how convinced you are about your appearance concerns, how would you rate your belief?

I recognize my concerns may be exaggerated

I think my concerns are probably accurate

I’m fairly convinced my concerns are real

I’m completely certain my appearance is flawed

Please answer all questions before submitting.

Your Score

out of 60

Share Your Results

Raising awareness about body dysmorphic disorder can help others recognize the signs and seek help.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
Phillips, K. A., Wilhelm, S., Koran, L. M., Didie, E. R., Fallon, B. A., Feusner, J., & Stein, D. J. (2010). Body dysmorphic disorder: Some key issues for DSM-V. Depression and Anxiety, 27(6), 573-591.
Veale, D., Gledhill, L. J., Christodoulou, P., & Hodsoll, J. (2016). Body dysmorphic disorder in different settings: A systematic review and estimated weighted prevalence. Body Image, 18, 168-186.
Phillips, K. A., & Hollander, E. (2008). Treating body dysmorphic disorder with medication: Evidence, misconceptions, and a suggested approach. Body Image, 5(1), 13-27.
International OCD Foundation. (2024). Diagnosing Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved from https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/diagnosis/
Wilhelm, S., Greenberg, J. L., Rosenfield, E., Kasarskis, I., & Blashill, A. J. (2016). The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Symptom Scale: Development and preliminary validation of a self-report scale of symptom specific dysfunction. Body Image, 17, 82-87.
Harrison, A., Fernández de la Cruz, L., Enander, J., Radua, J., & Mataix-Cols, D. (2016). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for body dysmorphic disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Psychology Review, 48, 43-51.