Which best describes body dysmorphic disorder?

Body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by an intense preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in physical appearance that may be minor or nonexistent to others. Individuals with this disorder often obsess over these imagined defects, which can lead to significant emotional distress and impacts on daily functioning. This preoccupation can result in behaviors such as excessive grooming, seeking reassurance, or avoiding social situations altogether due to embarrassment about their appearance.

The other options describe different mental health conditions: chronic pain without a clear diagnosis pertains to somatic symptom disorder, recurring episodes of excessive eating defines binge eating disorder, and the fear of gaining weight despite being underweight is characteristic of anorexia nervosa. Each of these conditions addresses differing symptoms and behavioral patterns that do not align with the distinctive features of body dysmorphic disorder.