Risk factors

Body dysmorphic disorder typically starts in the early teenage years and it affects both males and females.

Certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering body dysmorphic disorder, including:

• Having blood relatives with body dysmorphic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Negative life experiences, such as childhood teasing, neglect or abuse
• Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism
• Societal pressure or expectations of beauty
• Having another mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression