3 Signs You Have Body Dysmorphia

If you have a child or know a child, you can probably agree that children are perfect. Sure, they’re noisy and messy, and unpredictable at times. But those gap-toothed smiles and chubby feet and poking-out bellies? Perfect. Unfortunately, we don’t always view our own bodies in such a positive light—especially as we grow. We can be, as the saying goes, our own worst critics. Sometimes, this self-criticism becomes so severe that it’s called “body dysmorphia.”

What is Body Dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphia, also called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition where a person is consumed by worries about perceived flaws in their appearance. These flaws are usually unnoticeable to others but are impossible for the person with BDD to ignore. The condition causes severe distress and may impair functioning in different areas of life, such as social or occupational. Signs of body dysmorphic disorder include:
  • Spending a lot of time looking in the mirror
  • Avoiding looking in the mirror
  • Trying to hide the perceived flaw, i.e. with makeup, clothing, scarves, hats
  • Excessive grooming or exercising
  • Picking at their skin
  • Constantly comparing themselves to others
  • Needing ongoing or constant reassurance from others
  • Not believing the reassurance they receive
  • Avoiding friends, family, or other social engagements
  • Seeing healthcare providers about perceived flaws
  • Seeking out or undergoing unnecessary plastic surgery
  • Feeling ashamed, anxious, or depressed
  • Self-harming
  • Having thoughts of suicide
People with body dysmorphia spend excessive amounts of time worried about how they look, fearful of how others may perceive them, and trying to correct their perceived flaws. It can cause severe disruption to a person’s daily life, sometimes even keeping them from leaving the house. To be diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder, a person must:
  • Be overly concerned about a minute or nonexistent physical flaw
  • Experience severe thoughts that interfere with their ability to live normally
  • Not have other mental health disorders that cause these symptoms
Body dysmorphia not only causes a lot of problems on the inside—with increased worry and anxiety—but it can also lead to problems on the outside, the most worrisome of which is an eating disorder. Recognizing body dysmorphia and getting the help you need to see your body in a better light is the best step you can take to ward off a potential eating disorder. So let’s talk about what you might look for to determine if you have body dysmorphia.

3 Key Symptoms of Body Dysmorphia 

The Mayo Clinic lists a few signs you can look for to identify body dysmorphia.1 We’ve grouped these signs into three main categories. Be honest with yourself as you read through these lists. Ask, “Do these things ring true for me?”

1. You fixate on your physical flaws.

While it’s normal for any person to care about their looks, someone who suffers from body dysmorphia will spend excessive time thinking about their body. You may zero in on a specific area of your body that you deem ugly and be unable to see the good that surrounds it. Oftentimes what you’re worried about isn’t consequential in the grand scheme of things and may not even be noticeable to others. Regardless, if you have body dysmorphia, you may assume that strangers—or even your friends and family—make fun of your appearance in secret.

2. You work hard to hide your perceived flaws.

Again, it’s understandable for a person to dress in a way that features their best assets. But someone with body dysmorphia will likely take this to the extreme. You may spend lots of time and money on clothes, makeup, or even cosmetic procedures to cover up your perceived imperfections. In most cases, these efforts won’t help your body confidence. You might find yourself excessively looking in a mirror throughout the day and changing your clothes, re-fixing your hair, or redoing makeup countless times.

3. Your relationships with others begin to suffer as a result of your fixations.

Perhaps the most telling symptom of body dysmorphia comes when a person’s self-consciousness affects their friendships and familial relationships. You may notice that you constantly compare your appearance to those around you. Sometimes this comparison will make you feel better about yourself, albeit temporarily. Other times, it will leave you feeling worse than before. As a result, you might regularly ask friends or family, “How do I look?” with a deep need for approval and to the point that it becomes frustrating for them. Or you may even stop going around with friends and family altogether.

How Do I Help a Loved One Showing Signs of Body Dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphia is a difficult condition to live with. It’s also tough to help a loved one who shows signs of BDD because their fears and worries aren’t easily swayed by the input or support of others. Although it takes some intentional work and ongoing support, there are some things you can do to help your loved one if they experience body dysmorphia.

Be Patient

Patience is one of the best things you can offer a loved one who shows signs of body dysmorphia. You might feel frustrated by their harshness towards themselves and their unwillingness to listen to your attempts to console them, but you must be patient with them. Their BDD is oftentimes as frustrating to them as it may be to you.

Intervene Early

If you start noticing your loved one shows signs of body dysmorphia, intervene as quickly as you can. The longer body dysmorphic disorder is left untreated, the tougher it is to treat. Gently express your concerns and offer your unwavering love and support.

Keep an Open Line of Communication

Communicate consistently with your loved one if they show signs of body dysmorphia. Don’t shut down their worries; that’s a fast track to them refusing to trust you with their fears going forward. It’s probably hard to hear your loved one talk down on themselves, but it’s better they remain willing to talk with you than shut down entirely.

Encourage Them to Seek Treatment

There is only so much you can do as a loved one; overcoming BDD often requires specialized and intensive mental health treatment. Ask your loved one if they’re willing to go to treatment for their body dysmorphia. Find a few treatment programs nearby in case they agree to accept help. If you resonate with these symptoms of body dysmorphia, please reach out for help. It’s not too late to learn to view your body in a better light. Aster Springs can help. Find the location nearest you.

Explore this article

Let’s be honest about denial.

Denial keeps eating disorders alive. Eating disorders thrive in secrecy and denial. If you don’t believe you’re sick, why would you seek help? That’s precisely how eating disorders stay in control.

Let’s be honest about denial in parents.

Denial is a natural response — but delaying the proper care can prolong suffering. For many parents, accepting that their child needs eating disorder treatment is an overwhelming and emotional experience. But early, appropriate intervention is key to lasting recovery.

Let’s be honest about isolation.

Eating disorders thrive in isolation, convincing you that you’re better off alone. But the truth is, isolation only makes things worse. It shrinks your world and traps you in a cycle of self-doubt and despair.

Let’s be honest about change.

Change is hard, but so is staying stuck. Living with an eating disorder can feel like the only way to survive. Even when it causes chaos, it becomes familiar — making change feel overwhelming.

Let’s be honest about guilt + shame in parents.

As a parent, it’s heart-wrenching to make the decision to send your child to treatment, especially when that child doesn’t want to go.

Let’s be honest about guilt + shame.

Guilt and shame can trap you in the cycle of an eating disorder, making it challenging to seek the treatment you need.

Let’s be honest about fear in parents.

Deciding to seek treatment for your child is scary — but doing nothing is scarier.

Let’s be honest about fear.

You are stronger than your fears. Treatment is hard, but so is staying stuck in the cycle of an eating disorder. You can do hard things. And on the other side of fear? A life worth living.

Executive Director, Outpatient Columbus

Kim LaBarge MS, NCC, LPCC-S

As Executive Director of Aster Springs Outpatient Columbus, Kim is dedicated to providing exceptional clinical care through group, individual, and family therapy.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. After several years at a Baltimore-based nonprofit, she transitioned to counseling to make a more profound impact. Kim earned her master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Johns Hopkins University, focusing on helping individuals achieve lasting positive change.

Executive Director, Outpatient Cincinnati

Natalie Fausey RD, LD

As the Executive Director of Aster Springs Outpatient Cincinnati, Natalie provides both clinical and operational leadership to the team.

She holds a bachelor’s in human nutrition from The Ohio State University and has been a registered and licensed dietitian since 2018. Previously, Natalie served as the clinical dietitian at Aster Springs for three years. She is passionate about food’s multifaceted role in life, from nourishment and enjoyment to fostering connection, culture, and tradition.

Dedicated to empowering her team, Natalie ensures the highest standards of care for every client. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring new destinations, and discovering unique coffee shops and restaurants.

Executive Director, Aster Springs VA & Outpatient Richmond

Sara Berry LMHC, MBA

Sara joined Aster Springs Outpatient Jeffersonville as Executive Director in August 2023, bringing nearly 20 years of clinical and operational experience. She has worked in community mental health, inpatient and residential psychiatric treatment, and child welfare services.

She earned a bachelor of arts in psychology and a master’s of education in counseling psychology from the University of Louisville, followed by a master’s in healthcare management from the University of Southern Indiana. Since 2005, she has worked in behavioral health across Jeffersonville and surrounding communities.

In leadership since 2009, Sara has held key roles blending clinical and operational expertise. Her clinical interests include eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, and family systems. Passionate about helping others reach their full potential, she enjoys reading, family time, and the outdoors.

Executive Director, Aster Springs VA & Outpatient Richmond

Melanie Vann MA, LPC, NCC

Melanie holds a master’s in counseling psychology from Regent University and is a licensed mental health provider in Virginia.

She began her career treating eating disorders and specializes in trauma-based therapy, DBT, and experiential therapies. She became a certified equine-assisted therapist through EAGALA and a certified life coach through AACC to deepen her expertise. Melanie has worked in various mental health settings, including program development, nonprofits, podcasting, consulting, outreach, and education. She has held roles such as primary therapist, program director, clinical director, and executive director.

Melanie’s client-centered, strengths-focused approach reflects her belief that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Passionate about fostering hope, she helps individuals live confident, empowered, and authentic lives.

Executive Director, Aster Springs TN & Outpatient Nashville

Amber Lucchino LCSW, LADAC

Amber is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. With 22 years of recovery from an eating disorder, she brings a unique understanding and perspective to her role as a leader at Aster Springs.

Amber earned her bachelor’s in social work from Union University and her master’s from Columbia University in New York City. She has experience in outpatient and residential treatment settings, where she has held positions ranging from direct client care to program management and director roles focusing on staff development and organizational wellness. In addition to eating disorders, she has clinical experience in trauma and co-occurring disorders. She enjoys providing training within the community and has served as an adjunct professor in the department of social work for Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Amber is married and has four children. In her spare time, she can be found at the barn with horses or hiking on nearby trails. She loves cake decorating, spontaneous dance parties, and anything outdoors. Her motto is: “Pay attention to what brings you joy and do more of that.

AVP of Eating Disorder Admissions

Stefan Glamp

Stefan is the National Director of Alum Services for Odyssey Behavioral Health, leading Aster Springs’ efforts to build compassionate, connected alum communities.

With extensive experience in addiction and mental health recovery, he specializes in fostering community partnerships and supporting clients in their unique recovery journeys, believing long-term recovery is achievable.

Stefan’s approach enhances treatment effectiveness by providing structured, ongoing support for all Aster Springs alums.

AVP of Eating Disorder Admissions

Alycia Aldieri LPC

As AVP of Admissions for Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare’s Eating Disorder Network, Alycia ensures a compassionate, responsive, and seamless admissions experience.

With a background in residential treatment for adults and adolescents with co-occurring disorders, Alycia holds a master’s in clinical psychology from Benedictine University and a bachelor’s in music therapy from East Carolina University. Her approach integrates clinical expertise, spiritual beliefs, and 12-step principles.

Committed to integrity, compassion, and ethics, Alycia believes recovery is possible for anyone willing to pursue it. She finds deep fulfillment in serving others and is dedicated to guiding clients and families with care and support through every step of the admissions journey.

National Director of Nutrition Programming

Tammy Beasley MS, RDN, CEDS-C

Tammy has over 35 years of experience in eating disorder recovery. She was the first dietitian certified as an eating disorder specialist (CEDS) by iaedp in 1993 and played a key role in securing certification approval for dietitians.

Tammy co-authored the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Standards of Practice for eating disorder RDNs and has developed nutrition programs nationwide. She mentors clinicians, serves as a media resource, and runs a private practice supporting clients and organizations.

Passionate about full recovery, Tammy’s guiding principle is “Do no shame.

AVP of Clinical Operations

Kate Fisch LCSW, CEDS

As AVP of Clinical Operations for the Odyssey Behavioral Health Eating Disorder Network, Kate plays a key role in shaping Aster Springs’ exceptional clinical care across all levels.

With nearly two decades of experience in eating disorder treatment, Kate has provided direct client care at every level and is deeply committed to clinical supervision. Her passion lies in supporting and developing fellow treatment providers to enhance the quality of care in the field.

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University and a master’s in social work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Medical Director

Dr. Tom Scales

Dr. Scales is the network medical director for Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare’s eating disorder network, including Aster Springs, where he provides psychiatric and medical care to clients.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, attended medical school at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, and completed his internal medicine and psychiatry residency at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. An advocate for eating disorder awareness, Dr. Scales has delivered community presentations, made media appearances, and hosted the web-based radio show Understanding Eating Disorders.

He is a diplomat on the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and addiction medicine through the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Most importantly, he is a husband and proud father of two children. 

Chief Executive Officer

Chrissy Hall LCSW

As Group CEO, Chrissy oversees operations, the executive leadership team, and clinical service delivery at Aster Springs.

With over 25 years in behavioral healthcare, she began as a direct care staff member and has since held executive roles in clinical and business development. Her experience spans residential treatment centers, acute care hospitals, outpatient centers, and military treatment programs. Chrissy specializes in clinical best practices, program development, staff education, and quality and compliance for startups.

Passionate about leading teams to provide exceptional care in safe, therapeutic environments, Chrissy holds a master’s in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a licensed clinical social worker.

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Aster Springs Richmond

Located in the heart of Richmond’s West End in Glen Allen, VA, Aster Springs Outpatient specializes in treating adults of all genders, ages 18 and older, who struggle with eating disorders.

Location

3957 Westerre Pkwy., Ste. 208, Richmond, VA 23233

Who We Treat

Adults (ages 18+) of all genders

Levels of Care

Partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP)

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia, body dysmorphic disorder, OSFED

Aster Springs Outpatient Nashville

Located near the heart of downtown Nashville, Aster Springs Outpatient specializes in treating adults of all genders who are struggling with eating disorders. Our programs are LGBTQIA+-affirming and inclusive of all religious preferences.

Location

2900 Vanderbilt Pl., Ste. 200B, Nashville, TN 37212

Levels of Care

Partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP)

Who We Treat

Adults (ages 18+) of all genders

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia, body dysmorphic disorder, OSFED

Aster Springs Outpatient Columbus

Located in the heart of Dublin, Aster Springs Outpatient Columbus offers a warm, sunlit environment that feels like home. We specialize in treating adolescents and adults of all genders — ages 12 and older — who struggle with eating disorders and co-occurring conditions.

Location

3530 Irwin Simpson Rd., Ste. B, Mason, OH 45040

Levels of Care

Partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), evening virtual IOP

Who We Treat

Adults + adolescents (ages 16 & older) of all genders

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia, body dysmorphic disorder, OSFED

Aster Springs Outpatient Cincinnati

Located just northeast of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio, Aster Springs Outpatient in Cincinnati specializes in treating adolescents and adults of all genders, ages 16 and older, struggling with eating disorders.

Location

3530 Irwin Simpson Rd., Ste. B, Mason, OH 45040

Levels of Care

Partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), evening virtual IOP

Who We Treat

Adults + adolescents (ages 16 & older) of all genders

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia, body dysmorphic disorder, OSFED

Aster Springs Outpatient Jeffersonville

Minutes away from the heart of the Ohio River Valley, Aster Springs Outpatient in Jeffersonville provides compassionate, innovative eating disorder treatment that is inclusive of diverse populations and cultures.

Location

4500 Town Center Blvd., Ste. 103, Jeffersonville, IN 47130

Levels of Care

Partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), evening virtual IOP

Who We Treat

Adults (ages 18+) | Adolescents (ages 13-17)

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia, body dysmorphic disorder, OSFED

Aster Springs Virginia

Aster Springs Virginia is composed of two locations in Richmond, each offering exceptional, compassionate eating disorder treatment within peaceful, comforting environments.

Locations

Manakin-Sabot & Glen Allen

Levels of Care

Residential treatment, partial hospitalization program (PHP) with housing, intensive outpatient program (IOP)

Who We Treat

Adult women (Residential) | Adults of all genders (PHP + IOP)

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, bulimia, OSFED

Aster Springs Tennessee

Located just minutes away from downtown Music City, our multidisciplinary treatment team provides tailored treatment plans designed to meet the unique needs of each client. 

Location

7544 Old Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37221

Levels of Care

Residential treatment, partial hospitalization program (PHP) with housing

Who We Treat

Adults (ages 18+) | All genders

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, bulimia, OSFED

Aster Springs Ohio

Located near a winding creek on a peaceful, private stretch of land in Toledo, Aster Springs Ohio combines evidence-based, whole-person eating disorder treatment with a tranquil, home-like setting. 

Location

5465 Main St, Sylvania, OH 43560

Levels of Care

Residential treatment, partial hospitalization program (PHP) with housing

Who We Treat

Adults (ages 18+) | Adolescents (ages 10-17)

What We Treat

Anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, purging disorder, ARFID, co-occurring mental health conditions