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How to Know If You Have Money Dysmorphia (and How to Treat It), According to an Expert

“Money dysmorphia is basically fear-conditioning or fear-learning that overgeneralizes.”

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You’ve likely heard of the mental health condition called body dysmorphia, which causes individuals to ruminate and dwell on their perceived physical flaws. But did you know there’s a similar term describing an unhealthy relationship with money? Also called money dysmorphia (not an actual diagnosis), this term describes a fixation on and distorted view of one’s personal finances.

An Expert’s Take on Money Dysmorphia

Money dysmorphia describes a warped or inaccurate view of your own financial situation. Some people have a scarcity mindset despite having financial security and even abundance, while others are unaware of their own debt.

According to Steven Bradshaw, a licensed psychotherapist in Los Angeles and founder of Beyond Psychology Center, with a prior career in investment banking and private equity, there are various ways money dysmorphia can show up. For example, you might engage in one of the following behaviors: overestimating your security and spending too much; underestimating your security and living in fear; social comparison that causes feelings of inadequacy; limiting beliefs around what is financially possible for you; and avoiding the topic or issue of money........

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