Body Dysmorphic Disorder

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.

Common signs of BDD

If you recognise these signs, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Early treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder can be very effective.

What you may not be aware of about
body dysmorphic disorder...

1

Body Dysmorphic Disorder
is estimated to affect up to
2% of the population

2

BDD affects both men and
women equally

3

BDD is closely linked with
eating disorders

4

BDD usually starts in the
teenage years, when
concern over physical
appearance is common

What the research says
about treatment for body dysmorphic
disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is more than just the occasional worry about your looks; it’s an intense, often overwhelming obsession with perceived flaws in your appearance. People with BDD might spend hours a day fixating on these flaws, checking mirrors constantly, or seeking reassurance from others. This fixation can seriously interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, BDD is frequently missed or misdiagnosed, even by mental health professionals, which is why it’s crucial to understand what the research says about effective treatments. When it comes to treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), research highlights two main approaches: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs). CBT is a structured form of talk therapy that’s particularly effective for BDD. It works by helping individuals recognise and change their unhealthy thought patterns and behaviours. In the context of BDD, CBT focuses on breaking the cycle of negative thoughts about appearance and reducing repetitive behaviours, such as excessive mirror checking or skin picking. Several studies have shown that CBT can lead to significant improvements in BDD symptoms. Tailoring CBT specifically for BDD, such as using exposure and response prevention techniques, can enhance its effectiveness. This approach helps individuals face their fears and gradually decrease their preoccupation with their perceived flaws. On the medication front, SRIs, which include drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and clomipramine (Anafranil), have shown to be quite effective in managing BDD symptoms. These medications work by balancing the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and anxiety. Research supports their use, with various studies demonstrating that SRIs can significantly alleviate symptoms of BDD. For instance, fluoxetine and sertraline have been found to improve symptoms and reduce the severity of the disorder in clinical trials. Clomipramine, an older antidepressant, has also been found to be particularly effective for BDD, sometimes outperforming other types of antidepressants. Both CBT and SRIs have their strengths, and sometimes a combination of these treatments may offer the best results. The key is to tailor the approach to the individual’s specific needs and symptoms. While CBT addresses the underlying thought patterns and behaviours, SRIs can help manage the chemical imbalances contributing to the disorder. In summary, BDD is a serious condition that can profoundly affect a person’s life, but research supports effective treatment options. With the right approach, whether through CBT, SRIs, or a combination of both, individuals with BDD can experience significant relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

*Source: Understanding and treating body dysmorphic disorder – National Library of Medicine

Tips on managing body dysmorphic disorder

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).