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Body Dysmorphic Disorder

What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition marked by a persistent preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws or defects in appearance. These perceived flaws, often unnoticeable or minor to others, lead individuals with BDD to believe they look abnormal, deformed, or unattractive. To cope with the distress caused by these thoughts, individuals with BDD often engage in repetitive behaviors or mental rituals.

These behaviors include:

  • Mirror Checking: Spending excessive time scrutinizing perceived flaws.
  • Excessive Grooming: Trying to “fix” their appearance through makeup or hairstyling.
  • Skin Picking or Pinching: Attempting to improve skin texture or appearance.
  • Social Comparison: Comparing their appearance to others, often in an unhealthy or obsessive manner.

BDD often consumes significant mental and emotional energy, interfering with daily life and leading to considerable distress. This can affect relationships, work, and social activities, and may co-occur with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

At The Center for Emotional Health, we provide evidence-based treatments to help individuals manage and overcome the challenges of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. At CEH, we provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for BDD. This structured evidence-based approach helps individuals:

  • Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts:
    Work with a therapist to identify distorted beliefs about appearance and replace them with more realistic, flexible perspectives.
  • Develop Adaptive Coping Skills:
    Learn techniques to manage distress and reduce avoidance behaviors, enabling individuals to re-engage with meaningful aspects of life.
  • Reduce Repetitive Behaviors:
    Gradual exposure to distressing situations, combined with resisting compulsive behaviors like mirror checking or reassurance-seeking, helps
    decrease reliance on these rituals.
  • Enhance Holistic Self-Perception:
    Shift focus from perceived flaws to a more balanced and non-judgmental view of the entire self, particularly when engaging with mirrors or
    reflective surfaces.

Integrating ACT and DBT

To enhance treatment, our clinicians may incorporate principles of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These approaches help individuals develop psychological flexibility, reduce emotional reactivity, and build healthier responses to thoughts and feelings.

Request Your Appointment

Take the first step toward better mental health. Whether in person or through telehealth, The Center for Emotional Health is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today with any questions and to schedule your appointment.