Background: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterised by distress associated with perceived defects in one's physical appearance. Such defects are likely to be very slight or invisible to external observers, making it difficult for people with BDD to convey what they see.
Methods: Participants created artwork representing how they cope with BDD, then completed a follow-up interview to discuss their artwork. Framework for the Analysis of Drawings was used together with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Findings: Three overarching themes were generated from the analysis, centred around BDD's fusion with one's lifeworld, perceptual detachment, and fragmented selves.
Conclusions: We suggest incorporating artwork creation in BDD research and clinical settings may elucidate understanding of "hidden" experiences. Clinicians may find it helpful to reflect on how the distinctive BDD "way of seeing" can infuse not just specific perceptions of the body, but also the person's wider relationship to the world.
Keywords: Body dysmorphia; arts-based research; creative phenomenology; interpretative phenomenological analysis; qualitative psychology.