What Are the Different Types of Body Dysmorphic Disorder Tests?

People who have such poor body image that it badly affects their life may have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This often involves obsessing over one or more perceived flaws in one's appearance, making it hard to function normally in life. One of the most common types of body dysmorphic disorder tests is a physical exam, during which a doctor can make sure the patient is in good physical health. Doctors also may conduct a psychological exam to find out the thoughts and feelings behind the disorder. In addition, a BDD self-test may be available to patients, though this alone cannot typically be used to diagnose the condition.

One of the first kinds of body dysmorphic disorder tests is a physical exam to make sure the patient is in good general health. Though this is mainly considered a mental condition, some patients manifest their feelings through physical acts, such as getting plastic surgery, losing weight unhealthily, or exercising excessively. For this reason, the height, weight and blood pressure are often checked, and a complete blood count (CBC) may be obtained through a laboratory. In addition, some doctors may check for proper thyroid function, as well as drug and alcohol abuse, because these physical issues may contribute to mental conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder.

It is usually considered standard for a doctor to require some psychological testing before diagnosing BDD. Such body dysmorphic disorder tests often consist of the doctor asking how long the symptoms have existed and how much they influence daily life. Many doctors also ask patients for their general thoughts on the matter, sometimes including what they think caused the problem, or whether they think they have an issue at all. Additionally, most psychological body dysmorphic disorder tests involve asking patients if they have thought of suicide, because this condition often leads to depression and feelings of helplessness.

Some patients are not sure if their thoughts qualify as body dysmorphic disorder, which is why some websites offer a home test. Body dysmorphic disorder tests that patients can take online cannot officially diagnose anyone, but they can help encourage affected people to see a doctor to get diagnosed and treated. Such tests tend to include a series of questions that ask how much time patients spend worrying about their physical flaws, how it affects their life, and what they have done about their thoughts. Patients may then be directed to seek help from a doctor if their answers fall into a category that indicates a problem.