Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is when someone becomes excessively worried about perceived flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often minor or even imaginary, but they can cause a lot of distress and interfere with daily life. Treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder is available to help individuals manage these concerns and improve their quality of life.
If you recognise these signs, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Early treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder can be very effective.
People with BDD often spend hours fixating on perceived flaws in their appearance.
They might constantly check mirrors, over-groom, pick at their skin, or seek reassurance from others about their looks.
These concerns can make it difficult to work, study, or socialise.
Some individuals may shy away from social situations or public places due to self-consciousness.
Many seek cosmetic procedures to correct imagined flaws, but these rarely solve the problem and can sometimes make it worse.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
is estimated to affect up to
2% of the population
BDD affects both men and
women equally
BDD is closely linked with
eating disorders
BDD usually starts in the
teenage years, when
concern over physical
appearance is common
*Source: Understanding and treating body dysmorphic disorder – National Library of Medicine
Engage in hobbies or exercise that make you feel good about yourself. Shift your focus from perceived flaws to things you enjoy and excel at.
Use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to challenge and change negative thoughts about your appearance. Keeping a journal can help track these thoughts.
Reduce the time spent checking your appearance. Setting specific times for mirror checks can help break the cycle of reassurance-seeking.
Our Psychologists, highly qualified with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology, provide treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. They use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), the gold standard for many psychological issues, along with other evidence-based treatments like Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).