Body dysmorphia or Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a person spends a large quantity of their time worrying about flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often unnoticeable to others.
BDD affects both men and women and people of any age, but it is most common in teenagers and young adults.
Symptoms of BDD include:
- worrying a lot about a specific area of the body (particularly the face)
- spending a lot of time comparing looks with other people’s
- repeatedly looking in mirrors or avoiding mirrors altogether
- going to a considerable effort to conceal flaws – for example, by spending a long time combing hair, applying make-up or choosing clothes
- picking at skin to make it “smooth”
BDD can have a serious impact on a person’s daily life, including work, social life and relationships. It can also lead to depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
Treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
It can be very difficult to seek help for BDD, but it’s important to remember that you have nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. Seeking help is important because your symptoms are unlikely to go away without treatment and may worsen over time.
The following therapies are recommended as being effective in the treatment BDD:
Some people will also benefit from a review with a psychiatrist, which is something we can help you seek out, whilst we cannot offer it ourselves here at Sanctum.
We’re here to help. If you would like to enquire about treatment for BDD at Sanctum, please contact us to arrange an assessment.
