Understanding
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where people become intensely preoccupied with perceived flaws in their physical appearance that are often minimal or not noticeable to others. This preoccupation can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life.
Understanding
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where people become intensely preoccupied with perceived flaws in their physical appearance that are often minimal or not noticeable to others. This preoccupation can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life.
Understanding
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where people become intensely preoccupied with perceived flaws in their physical appearance that are often minimal or not noticeable to others. This preoccupation can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life.
What does Body Dysmorphic Disorder feel like?
Living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder can feel like being trapped in a constant battle with your reflection and self-image. You might spend hours each day examining, checking, or trying to fix perceived flaws that others don't notice or see as minor. The preoccupation can be overwhelming, making it difficult to concentrate on work, school, or relationships. Many people with BDD avoid social situations, mirrors, or cameras, feeling intense shame and anxiety about their appearance.
The thoughts about perceived flaws can be intrusive and distressing, leading to compulsive behaviours like excessive grooming, seeking reassurance, or comparing yourself to others. Despite others' reassurances, the distress feels very real and can dominate your thoughts and daily activities.
Common Symptoms
Intense preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance
Repetitive behaviours like mirror checking or excessive grooming
Comparing appearance to others frequently
Seeking reassurance about appearance from others
Avoiding social situations or having photos taken
Significant distress or impairment in daily functioning
Considering or seeking unnecessary cosmetic procedures
What does Body Dysmorphic Disorder feel like?
Living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder can feel like being trapped in a constant battle with your reflection and self-image. You might spend hours each day examining, checking, or trying to fix perceived flaws that others don't notice or see as minor. The preoccupation can be overwhelming, making it difficult to concentrate on work, school, or relationships. Many people with BDD avoid social situations, mirrors, or cameras, feeling intense shame and anxiety about their appearance.
The thoughts about perceived flaws can be intrusive and distressing, leading to compulsive behaviours like excessive grooming, seeking reassurance, or comparing yourself to others. Despite others' reassurances, the distress feels very real and can dominate your thoughts and daily activities.
Common Symptoms
Intense preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance
Repetitive behaviours like mirror checking or excessive grooming
Comparing appearance to others frequently
Seeking reassurance about appearance from others
Avoiding social situations or having photos taken
Significant distress or impairment in daily functioning
Considering or seeking unnecessary cosmetic procedures
What does Body Dysmorphic Disorder feel like?
Living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder can feel like being trapped in a constant battle with your reflection and self-image. You might spend hours each day examining, checking, or trying to fix perceived flaws that others don't notice or see as minor. The preoccupation can be overwhelming, making it difficult to concentrate on work, school, or relationships. Many people with BDD avoid social situations, mirrors, or cameras, feeling intense shame and anxiety about their appearance.
The thoughts about perceived flaws can be intrusive and distressing, leading to compulsive behaviours like excessive grooming, seeking reassurance, or comparing yourself to others. Despite others' reassurances, the distress feels very real and can dominate your thoughts and daily activities.
Common Symptoms
Intense preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance
Repetitive behaviours like mirror checking or excessive grooming
Comparing appearance to others frequently
Seeking reassurance about appearance from others
Avoiding social situations or having photos taken
Significant distress or impairment in daily functioning
Considering or seeking unnecessary cosmetic procedures
History of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder has evolved from early psychiatric observations to recognition as a distinct condition requiring specialised treatment approaches.
1886
Italian psychiatrist Enrico Morselli first described "dysmorphophobia" as a subjective feeling of ugliness despite normal appearance, laying the groundwork for understanding BDD as a psychiatric condition.
1980s
Body Dysmorphic Disorder was formally recognised and included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, distinguishing it from other anxiety and obsessive-compulsive related disorders.
1990s
Research revealed BDD's relationship to obsessive-compulsive disorder, leading to better understanding of effective treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Present
Modern research shows BDD affects 1-2% of the population, with advanced neuroimaging revealing differences in visual processing, and specialised BDD treatment centres offering evidence-based interventions combining therapy, medication, and support for families.
History of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder has evolved from early psychiatric observations to recognition as a distinct condition requiring specialised treatment approaches.
1886
Italian psychiatrist Enrico Morselli first described "dysmorphophobia" as a subjective feeling of ugliness despite normal appearance, laying the groundwork for understanding BDD as a psychiatric condition.
1980s
Body Dysmorphic Disorder was formally recognised and included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, distinguishing it from other anxiety and obsessive-compulsive related disorders.
1990s
Research revealed BDD's relationship to obsessive-compulsive disorder, leading to better understanding of effective treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Present
Modern research shows BDD affects 1-2% of the population, with advanced neuroimaging revealing differences in visual processing, and specialised BDD treatment centres offering evidence-based interventions combining therapy, medication, and support for families.
History of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder has evolved from early psychiatric observations to recognition as a distinct condition requiring specialised treatment approaches.
1886
Italian psychiatrist Enrico Morselli first described "dysmorphophobia" as a subjective feeling of ugliness despite normal appearance, laying the groundwork for understanding BDD as a psychiatric condition.
1980s
Body Dysmorphic Disorder was formally recognised and included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, distinguishing it from other anxiety and obsessive-compulsive related disorders.
1990s
Research revealed BDD's relationship to obsessive-compulsive disorder, leading to better understanding of effective treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Present
Modern research shows BDD affects 1-2% of the population, with advanced neuroimaging revealing differences in visual processing, and specialised BDD treatment centres offering evidence-based interventions combining therapy, medication, and support for families.
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) specifically adapted for BDD is the most effective psychological treatment. This specialised therapy helps challenge distorted thoughts about appearance, reduce checking behaviours and avoidance, and develop a more realistic self-image.
Exposure and response prevention techniques gradually help you face feared situations without engaging in compulsive behaviours. Therapy also addresses underlying issues such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, and trauma that may contribute to BDD. Group therapy can provide valuable peer support and reduce the isolation often experienced with this condition.
Benefits of Therapy
Challenge and change distorted thoughts about appearance
Reduce compulsive behaviours like mirror checking and grooming
Develop realistic self-perception and body image
Learn to tolerate anxiety without engaging in safety behaviours
Build confidence in social situations and reduce avoidance
Address underlying perfectionism and self-esteem issues
Develop healthy coping strategies for managing appearance concerns
Improve relationships and overall quality of life
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Body Dysmorphic Disorder and effective treatment options
How is BDD different from normal concerns about appearance or vanity?
BDD involves excessive, time-consuming preoccupation with perceived flaws that causes significant distress and impairs daily functioning. Unlike normal appearance concerns, BDD thoughts are intrusive, difficult to control, and the perceived flaws are often minimal or not visible to others.
Can cosmetic surgery help with Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Research shows that cosmetic procedures rarely help BDD and often make symptoms worse. People with BDD typically remain dissatisfied with results or develop new appearance concerns. Mental health treatment addressing the underlying condition is much more effective than surgical interventions.
Is BDD related to eating disorders or other mental health conditions?
BDD can co-occur with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but it's a distinct condition. Whilst eating disorders focus on weight and shape, BDD can involve any aspect of appearance and includes specific patterns of checking and avoidance behaviours.
Can children and teenagers have Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Yes, BDD often begins in adolescence when appearance concerns naturally increase. However, BDD in young people goes far beyond typical teenage self-consciousness and can significantly impact school attendance, friendships, and development. Early intervention is crucial for better outcomes.
How therapy can help
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) specifically adapted for BDD is the most effective psychological treatment. This specialised therapy helps challenge distorted thoughts about appearance, reduce checking behaviours and avoidance, and develop a more realistic self-image.
Exposure and response prevention techniques gradually help you face feared situations without engaging in compulsive behaviours. Therapy also addresses underlying issues such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, and trauma that may contribute to BDD. Group therapy can provide valuable peer support and reduce the isolation often experienced with this condition.
Benefits of Therapy
Challenge and change distorted thoughts about appearance
Reduce compulsive behaviours like mirror checking and grooming
Develop realistic self-perception and body image
Learn to tolerate anxiety without engaging in safety behaviours
Build confidence in social situations and reduce avoidance
Address underlying perfectionism and self-esteem issues
Develop healthy coping strategies for managing appearance concerns
Improve relationships and overall quality of life
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Body Dysmorphic Disorder and effective treatment options
How is BDD different from normal concerns about appearance or vanity?
BDD involves excessive, time-consuming preoccupation with perceived flaws that causes significant distress and impairs daily functioning. Unlike normal appearance concerns, BDD thoughts are intrusive, difficult to control, and the perceived flaws are often minimal or not visible to others.
Can cosmetic surgery help with Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Research shows that cosmetic procedures rarely help BDD and often make symptoms worse. People with BDD typically remain dissatisfied with results or develop new appearance concerns. Mental health treatment addressing the underlying condition is much more effective than surgical interventions.
Is BDD related to eating disorders or other mental health conditions?
BDD can co-occur with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but it's a distinct condition. Whilst eating disorders focus on weight and shape, BDD can involve any aspect of appearance and includes specific patterns of checking and avoidance behaviours.
Can children and teenagers have Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Yes, BDD often begins in adolescence when appearance concerns naturally increase. However, BDD in young people goes far beyond typical teenage self-consciousness and can significantly impact school attendance, friendships, and development. Early intervention is crucial for better outcomes.
How therapy can help
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) specifically adapted for BDD is the most effective psychological treatment. This specialised therapy helps challenge distorted thoughts about appearance, reduce checking behaviours and avoidance, and develop a more realistic self-image.
Exposure and response prevention techniques gradually help you face feared situations without engaging in compulsive behaviours. Therapy also addresses underlying issues such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, and trauma that may contribute to BDD. Group therapy can provide valuable peer support and reduce the isolation often experienced with this condition.
Benefits of Therapy
Challenge and change distorted thoughts about appearance
Reduce compulsive behaviours like mirror checking and grooming
Develop realistic self-perception and body image
Learn to tolerate anxiety without engaging in safety behaviours
Build confidence in social situations and reduce avoidance
Address underlying perfectionism and self-esteem issues
Develop healthy coping strategies for managing appearance concerns
Improve relationships and overall quality of life
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Body Dysmorphic Disorder and effective treatment options
How is BDD different from normal concerns about appearance or vanity?
BDD involves excessive, time-consuming preoccupation with perceived flaws that causes significant distress and impairs daily functioning. Unlike normal appearance concerns, BDD thoughts are intrusive, difficult to control, and the perceived flaws are often minimal or not visible to others.
Can cosmetic surgery help with Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Research shows that cosmetic procedures rarely help BDD and often make symptoms worse. People with BDD typically remain dissatisfied with results or develop new appearance concerns. Mental health treatment addressing the underlying condition is much more effective than surgical interventions.
Is BDD related to eating disorders or other mental health conditions?
BDD can co-occur with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but it's a distinct condition. Whilst eating disorders focus on weight and shape, BDD can involve any aspect of appearance and includes specific patterns of checking and avoidance behaviours.
Can children and teenagers have Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Yes, BDD often begins in adolescence when appearance concerns naturally increase. However, BDD in young people goes far beyond typical teenage self-consciousness and can significantly impact school attendance, friendships, and development. Early intervention is crucial for better outcomes.
Meet our Therapists
Meet our Therapists
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
More
Adults (18+)
Introducing Andrea Szentgyorgyi, a UKCP-registered integrative psychotherapist with over 1,000 clinical hours. Andrea combines person-centred, solution-focused therapy with advanced techniques including hypnotherapy and EMDR, creating a tailored and flexible approach for each client. With 6 years of experience, she provides a safe and supportive space to explore challenges and promote lasting emotional wellbeing.
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Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we’re proud to introduce Isabella May Leonard (MSc), an experienced person-centred psychotherapist offering therapy for adults. With over 2,500 clinical hours, Isabella brings warmth, compassion, and professional depth to her practice, with experience across private practice, NHS Talking Therapies, and third-sector services. She provides both short- and long-term therapy, creating a safe and reflective space where clients can explore challenges at their own pace.
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Adults (18+)
Jayne Tamsett is a BACP accredited counsellor with a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and over 4,700 clinical hours. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship challenges. Her practice offers an inclusive and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported in their personal growth
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
More
Adults (18+)