CBT is the effective therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
If you have BDD you may experience intrusive thoughts, feelings and pictures from the past that make you feel your safety behaviours (e.g. covering up, mirror checking) are important to protect you from harm. These thoughts tend to remain unshakable despite reassurance from others. People with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) see themselves as ugly and disgusting. It is what they see when they look in the mirror. BDD is an anxiety disorder but it is often misread by professionals as depression or panic. It often goes undiagnosed and treated but it is possible to treat it effectively with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques (and medication if needed).
It usually starts in adolescence and is equally common amongst men and women In severe cases it can lead to self-disfigurement, addiction to drugs or alcohol, and depression. One in four affected by BDD attempt suicide Research shows that it affects 1-2% of our population in the UK.
Signs and Symptoms
Frequently comparing appearance with that of others
Repeatedly checking the appearance of the specific body part in mirrors or other reflective surfaces
Refusing to have pictures taken
Wearing excessive clothing, makeup and hats to camouflage the perceived flaw
Using hands or posture to hide the imagined defect
Frequently touching the perceived flaw
Picking at one's skin
Frequently measuring the imagined or exaggerated defect
Elaborate grooming rituals
Excessive researching about the perceived defective body part
Seeking surgery or other medical treatment despite contrary opinions or medical recommendations
Seeking reassurance about the perceived defect or trying to convince others that it's abnormal or excessive
Avoiding social situations in which the perceived flaw might be noticed
Feeling anxious and self-conscious around others (social phobia) because of the imagined defect
People with severe Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) may drop out of school, quit their jobs or avoid leaving their homes. In the most severe cases, people with BDD may consider or attempt suicide.
Certain physical obsessions are common in a person with body dysmorphic disorder. These include: Overall size, shape or symmetry of a certain facial feature, such as size or shape of nose Moles or freckles perceived as too large or noticeable Acne and blemishes Minor scars or skin abrasions Too much facial or body hair Baldness Breast size Muscles perceived as too small Size or shape of genitalia.
If you want help with overcoming BDD then please contact us to discuss your problems or to book an assessment
If you have BDD you may experience intrusive thoughts, feelings and pictures from the past that make you feel your safety behaviours (e.g. covering up, mirror checking) are important to protect you from harm. These thoughts tend to remain unshakable despite reassurance from others. People with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) see themselves as ugly and disgusting. It is what they see when they look in the mirror. BDD is an anxiety disorder but it is often misread by professionals as depression or panic. It often goes undiagnosed and treated but it is possible to treat it effectively with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques (and medication if needed).
It usually starts in adolescence and is equally common amongst men and women In severe cases it can lead to self-disfigurement, addiction to drugs or alcohol, and depression. One in four affected by BDD attempt suicide Research shows that it affects 1-2% of our population in the UK.
Signs and Symptoms
Frequently comparing appearance with that of others
Repeatedly checking the appearance of the specific body part in mirrors or other reflective surfaces
Refusing to have pictures taken
Wearing excessive clothing, makeup and hats to camouflage the perceived flaw
Using hands or posture to hide the imagined defect
Frequently touching the perceived flaw
Picking at one's skin
Frequently measuring the imagined or exaggerated defect
Elaborate grooming rituals
Excessive researching about the perceived defective body part
Seeking surgery or other medical treatment despite contrary opinions or medical recommendations
Seeking reassurance about the perceived defect or trying to convince others that it's abnormal or excessive
Avoiding social situations in which the perceived flaw might be noticed
Feeling anxious and self-conscious around others (social phobia) because of the imagined defect
People with severe Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) may drop out of school, quit their jobs or avoid leaving their homes. In the most severe cases, people with BDD may consider or attempt suicide.
Certain physical obsessions are common in a person with body dysmorphic disorder. These include: Overall size, shape or symmetry of a certain facial feature, such as size or shape of nose Moles or freckles perceived as too large or noticeable Acne and blemishes Minor scars or skin abrasions Too much facial or body hair Baldness Breast size Muscles perceived as too small Size or shape of genitalia.
If you want help with overcoming BDD then please contact us to discuss your problems or to book an assessment