Body Dysmorphic Disorder vs. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Key Differences
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Constant need for praise or validation
Body Dysmorphic Disorder:
Core
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Associated
Explanation: In body dysmorphic disorder, reassurance or validation may feel central to managing distress about how one is seen, while in OCD it is less central overall.
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Fear of rejection
Body Dysmorphic Disorder:
Core
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Associated
Explanation: Body dysmorphic disorder is more likely to involve persistent distress about being rejected because of perceived flaws, while OCD may involve this concern less directly.
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Hair pulling
Body Dysmorphic Disorder:
Associated
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Core
Explanation: Hair pulling is much more central in the OCD profile provided, whereas in body dysmorphic disorder it appears more as a related but less defining behavior.
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Difficulty coping with uncertainty
Body Dysmorphic Disorder:
Common
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Core
Explanation: Both can involve uncertainty, but in OCD it is more likely to feel intense and driving, often fueling repeated checking, reassurance seeking, or mental review.
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Intrusive unwanted thoughts
Body Dysmorphic Disorder:
Common
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Core
Explanation: Intrusive thoughts can occur in both, but in OCD they are more central and severe, often becoming the main source of distress and compulsive responses.
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Key Similarities
| Symptom | How it is similar |
|---|---|
| Compulsive or repetitive behaviours | Both can involve repeated behaviors that feel hard to resist and are used to reduce distress or regain a sense of certainty. |
| Perfectionism | Both can involve intense pressure for things to feel exactly right, which may contribute to checking, correcting, or repeated efforts to reduce discomfort. |
| Seeking constant reassurance | Both can involve repeatedly asking others for reassurance as a way to temporarily calm anxiety or doubt. |
| Excessive worry | Both commonly involve persistent worry that can feel difficult to switch off. |
| Overthinking | Both can involve getting stuck in repetitive mental loops that make it hard to move on or feel settled. |
Most often taken Self-Assessments
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Self-Assessment: Anxiety
Take the TestTake this quick self-assessment based on the GAD-7 to understand your current anxiety levels and how they may be impacting your life.
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Self-Assessment: Porn Addiction
Take the TestReflect on your relationship with porn and whether it's affecting your mental, emotional, or relational well-being.
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Self-Assessment: Overthinking
Take the TestReflect on persistent patterns of overanalyzing, second-guessing, or mental looping that may be affecting your clarity and peace of mind.
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Self-Assessment: Depression
Take the TestThe clinically proven PHQ-7 self-assessment to help you gauge if you might be experiencing signs of depression.
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Self-Assessment: Narcissistic Abuse
Take the TestCheck if you might be experiencing or recovering from narcissistic abuse in a relationship.
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Self-Assessment: Impact of ADHD
Take the TestThis self-assessment helps identify how adult ADHD may be affecting your daily life and functioning.
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Self-Assessment: Emotional Regulation
Take the TestDiscover how well you manage your emotions and cope with challenging situations.
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Self-Assessment: Couple Relationships
Take the TestA quick check-in to see how healthy and connected your romantic relationship feels right now.
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Self-Assessment: PTSD
Take the TestUse the PCL-5 scale to identify signs of lingering emotional and physiological distress from traumatic experiences.
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Self-Assessment - Borderline Personality Disorder
Take the TestUnderstand if you might be showing signs of Borderline Personality Disorder using the Mclean Screening Instrument.
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Self-Assessment: Sleep
Take the TestAssess if your sleep issues stem from deeper emotional patterns, rather than just irregular habits or lifestyle factors. Based on the Insomnia Severity Index.
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Self-Assessment: Dating Fatigue
Take the TestExplore whether the emotional exhaustion, frustration, or numbness you're feeling around dating is a sign of burnout.
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Self-Assessment: Social Anxiety
Take the TestTake this test based on the LSAS scale to find out if social situations are triggering anxiety or holding you back.
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Self-Assessment: Retroactive Jealousy
Take the TestExplore if thoughts about your partner’s past are affecting your current relationship.