Body Dysmorphic Disorder

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What is body dysmorphic disorder?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an anxiety disorder that causes the person to have a distorted view of how they look and to spend a lot of time worrying about their appearance. This could be focused on any aspect of their face or body. Having BDD does not mean that the person is vain or self-obsessed.

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What are the symptoms of BDD?

  • Constantly comparing your appearance to other people’s
  • Spending a lot of time in front of the mirror or at other times avoiding mirrors altogether
  • Spending a lot of time concealing what is seen to be a defect
  • Becoming distressed by a particular area of your body (or face)
  • Feeling anxious when around other people and avoiding social situations
  • Being overly worried about asking for help out of fear you’ll be seen as vain or self obsessed
  • Seeking treatment for the perceived “defect” e.g. cosmetic surgery
  • Excessive dieting and exercise

 

Although BDD is not the same as OCD, there are some similarities, such as the repetition of compulsive behaviours. BDD can also lead to depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

Frequently asked questions

If you find yourself developing intensely negative feelings towards your body, this can be a good indication that it’s time to seek support. You may already be aware that the way you see your body is distorted but still get preoccupied with body checks in front of the mirror.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy are generally the most effective therapeutic approaches for body dysmorphic disorder. Sometimes mindfulness techniques can also be helpful, alongside DBT skills.

Mindfulness techniques can be helpful to draw upon in moments that you’re feeling triggered and experiencing intensely negative feelings about your body. Breathing techniques can also help, as well as developing the capacity to act opposite to the urge to check your body, instead sitting with the anxiety until it subsides.

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Marina Hilleary

December 9, 2024 No Comments

Dr Marina Hilleary is a Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS and private practice. She completed her BSc in Psychology at the University of Exeter, graduating with first-class honours and was subsequently awarded an MSc in Mental Health Studies and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London.

Dr Hilleary has 9 years of clinical experience in various NHS mental health settings, her current position being on a Specialist Adolescent Team at a Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). She has a specialist interest in working with children, young people and their families and has worked with young people presenting with a wide range of difficulties including depression, low self-esteem, anxiety (specific phobias, GAD, social anxiety, separation anxiety, panic and OCD), PTSD, behaviours that challenge and additional neurodevelopmental needs.

Dr Hilleary is experienced in carrying out comprehensive psychological assessments (including cognitive assessments) and recognises the importance of working towards a shared understanding of the presenting difficulties to enable a positive therapeutic outcome. She draws on a range of evidence-based psychological therapies and models, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based approaches. In addition, Dr Hilleary utilises systemic family approaches when working with young people and their families.

Dr Hilleary adopts an integrative, compassionate and person-centred approach to engage young people, building their motivation to participate in decisions around their care plan and achieve their therapeutic goals. She works creatively with her clients and, where appropriate, alongside any of their important support systems.