Do All Women Have Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Sarah Michelle Gellar has angered those suffering from serious mental illnesses by offhandedly suggesting she has Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

“I totally have body dysmorphic disorder,” she said during an interview with Health Magazine. Gellar performed the self-diagnosis while admitting she had body-image issues and isn’t always happy about what she sees in the mirror.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is thought to affect about one percent of the population and is diagnosed only in extreme circumstances. It is a preoccupation with a slight or imagined defect in appearance, which causes “significant distress or handicap in social, school or occupational life.” One in three people who present for rhinoplasty (nose jobs) are diagnosed with BDD, so even if you’re willing to go under the knife to correct a minor “defect,” you’re still unlikely to be suffering from the illness.

In short, just because you’re not compelled to stand in front of the mirror and revel at the wonder of your naked body all day, doesn’t mean you’ve got body dysmorphic disorder. As one online reader commented, ”Body dismorphic disorder is a very serious problem and she ‘totally’ shouldn’t make light of it that way.”

Not only does SMG think she has BDD; she thinks we all do. Well, most women at least.

“I think most women do. I just have to remember that I’m human, and I’m a mom…You have to use yourself as an inspiration,” she said.

Aside from the mixed messages she’s sending (self-hate or inspiration?), Gellar’s sentiments are downright offensive to women– especially those of us who may not have personal trainers, live-in chefs, or the body of Beyoncé but have learned to be happy with what we’ve got.

I’m not saying we don’t all have our hang-ups, God knows we do, but celebrities medicalizing and catastrophizing women’s bodies ain’t what anyone needs to hear.

Contact the author here: brianna@morningquickie.com