I read the article this morning and was shocked.

Most likely, he's under considerable stress over his schoolwork. Different people have different coping abilities and it was reported that he's frequently stressed because of school.
There's a sort of psychological disorder classified under the DSM-IV : Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), which sounds like what he might have been suffering from.
"BDD is a preoccupation with an imagined physical defect in appearance or a vastly exaggerated concern about a minimal defect. The preoccupation must cause significant impairment in the individual's life. The individual thinks about his or her defect for at least an hour per day.
"The individual's obsessive concern most often is concerned with facial features, hair or odor. The disorder often begins in adolescence, becomes chronic and leads to a great deal of internal suffering.
"The person may fear ridicule in social situations, and may consult many dermatologists or plastic surgeons and undergo painful or risky procedures to try to change the perceived defect. The medical procedures rarely produce relief. Indeed they often lead to a worsening of symptoms. BDD may limit friendships. Obsessive ruminations about appearance may make it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork.
Extracted from :
http://www.ncpamd.com/body_dysmorphic_disorder.htmIt was reported that despite assurances from his GP, his girlfriend, and his mom, the boy continued to be obsessed with the idea that he's 'small'.
What a sad waste of life.
