Body Dysmorphic Disorder Focusing on Appearance Most of us spend
time in front of the mirror checking our appearance. Some people
spend more time than others, but taking care of our bodies and
being interested in our appearance is natural. How we feel about
our appearance is part of our body image and self-image. Many
people have some kind of dissatisfaction with their bodies. This
can be especially true during the teen years when our bodies and
appearance go through lots of changes. Although many people feel
dissatisfied with some aspect of their appearance, these
concerns usually don't constantly occupy their thoughts or cause
them to feel tormented. But for some people, concerns about
appearance become quite extreme and upsetting. Some people
become so focused on imagined or minor imperfections in their
looks that they can't seem to stop checking or obsessing about
their appearance. Being constantly preoccupied and upset about
body imperfections or appearance flaws is called body dysmorphic
disorder. What