A distorted perception of one's physical appearance, with obsessive focus on perceived flaws that are minor or not observable by others.
From Greek 'dys-' (bad, abnormal) + 'morphe' (form, shape). Full term: body dysmorphic disorder.
Dysmorphia is when the mirror lies — your brain magnifies tiny flaws into huge defects that nobody else can even see.
Body dysmorphia disproportionately diagnosed in women historically; diagnostic bias conflated appearance-focused distress with vanity rather than recognized pathology equally in men. Contemporary usage more balanced but legacy medicalization of female self-perception remains.
Use diagnostically without gendered assumptions. Recognize that all genders experience body image distress; avoid framing as primarily female concern.
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