Eating Disorders vs. Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Key Differences
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Binge eating / feeling out of control around food
Eating Disorders:
Core
Body Dysmorphic Disorder:
Associated
Explanation: Feeling unable to control eating is much more central to eating disorders, while in body dysmorphic disorder it may occur but is usually not the main problem.
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Purging behaviours
Eating Disorders:
Core
Body Dysmorphic Disorder:
Associated
Explanation: Purging is a key warning sign for eating disorders, whereas in body dysmorphic disorder it is less central and more likely to appear alongside broader appearance distress.
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Restrictive eating
Eating Disorders:
Core
Body Dysmorphic Disorder:
Common
Explanation: Restricting food is more central and severe in eating disorders, while in body dysmorphic disorder it may happen as one way of trying to change or manage appearance concerns.
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Skin picking
Eating Disorders:
Associated
Body Dysmorphic Disorder:
Core
Explanation: Skin picking is more likely to be a central appearance-focused ritual in body dysmorphic disorder than in eating disorders.
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Social anxiety
Eating Disorders:
Common
Body Dysmorphic Disorder:
Core
Explanation: Social anxiety tends to be especially central in body dysmorphic disorder, often linked to fears that others are noticing or judging perceived appearance flaws.
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Key Similarities
| Symptom | How it is similar |
|---|---|
| Distress About Your Body Shape or Weigh | Both challenges can involve intense, persistent distress about body shape or weight, which can make them look very similar from the outside. |
| Constant preoccupation with appearance | Both can involve spending a lot of mental energy focused on appearance, making it hard to shift attention away from body-related concerns. |
| Being very self-critical | Both commonly involve harsh self-judgment, especially around perceived flaws, control, or not feeling good enough. |
| Perfectionism | Both can involve rigid standards and a strong sense that the body or appearance must meet an exacting ideal. |
| Compulsive or repetitive behaviours | Both may involve repeated behaviours aimed at reducing distress, such as checking, comparing, seeking reassurance, or trying to feel more in control. |
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.