What disorder is characterized by an inability to stop thinking about perceived defects in appearance?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is defined by an intense preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one’s appearance, which may be minor or even nonexistent. Individuals with this disorder often spend excessive amounts of time thinking about their appearance and may engage in compulsive behaviors such as checking mirrors, seeking reassurance, or undergoing unnecessary cosmetic procedures. This obsession can significantly impair daily functioning and lead to distress, anxiety, and social withdrawal.

In contrast, Hoarding Disorder is characterized by the accumulation of possessions and an inability to discard items, typically as a response to distress related to throwing things away, rather than concerns about appearance. Trichotillomania involves the compulsive pulling out of one’s hair, often as a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety, while Excoriation Disorder involves repeatedly picking at one’s skin. Neither of these conditions focuses on perceived defects in appearance like Body Dysmorphic Disorder does, making the latter the correct answer.