DistantNews
Support us
They believe something is wrong with their appearance. It could be a mental illness.
๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ด Norway /Health & Science

They believe something is wrong with their appearance. It could be a mental illness.

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • People with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) often do not realize they have a mental illness.
  • Individuals with BDD may spend excessive time worrying about their appearance, leading to social isolation.
  • The condition can cause significant distress and impact daily life, even when others perceive the person as attractive.

Mandy Rosenberg, 35, from Brookfield, Wisconsin, has always received significant attention for her appearance. Despite being called beautiful by peers, she did not see herself the same way. People with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) often fail to recognize their condition.

People with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) often do not realize they have a mental illness.

โ€” Christina CaronIntroduction to the article discussing BDD.

BDD causes individuals to obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance, which may be minor or unnoticeable to others. This preoccupation can consume so much time and energy that it leads to social isolation. Rosenberg's experience highlights the internal struggle many face, where external validation does not align with their self-perception.

She called Barbie.

โ€” Unspecified classmatesDescribing Mandy Rosenberg's appearance in high school.

The article, drawing from reporting by The New York Times, suggests that this condition is a mental illness that requires understanding and potentially professional help. The focus on appearance can be so intense that it overshadows other aspects of life, leading to significant emotional distress.

But even though people often said she was pretty, she didn't see herself the same way.

โ€” Unspecified authorDescribing Mandy Rosenberg's internal struggle with her appearance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.