Understanding
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an anxiety disorder where individuals become excessively preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance, often focusing on specific features like skin, hair, or body shape. This distress can be so severe that it interferes with daily life, social activities, and relationships.
What does BDD feel like?
Living with BDD often means spending hours worrying about appearance, feeling intense shame or anxiety, and engaging in repetitive behaviours like mirror checking or skin picking. This preoccupation can lead to avoidance of social situations and significant emotional distress.
How to overcome BDD with therapy
Therapy, especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP), is the most effective treatment for BDD. Medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may also be prescribed alongside therapy to reduce symptoms.
Through BDD counselling, you can:
Challenge negative thoughts about your appearance.
Reduce compulsive behaviours linked to appearance concerns.
Build healthier self-esteem and body image.
Learn coping strategies to manage anxiety and distress.
Step-by-step guide to managing BDD
Recognise symptoms: Acknowledge how appearance concerns affect your life.
Seek professional help: Consult a therapist experienced in BDD treatment.
Engage in CBT with ERP: Work on facing fears and stopping compulsive behaviours.
Consider medication: Discuss SSRIs with your healthcare provider if appropriate.
Build support: Involve trusted people to encourage progress and reduce isolation.
Understanding
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an anxiety disorder where individuals become excessively preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance, often focusing on specific features like skin, hair, or body shape. This distress can be so severe that it interferes with daily life, social activities, and relationships.
What does BDD feel like?
Living with BDD often means spending hours worrying about appearance, feeling intense shame or anxiety, and engaging in repetitive behaviours like mirror checking or skin picking. This preoccupation can lead to avoidance of social situations and significant emotional distress.
How to overcome BDD with therapy
Therapy, especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP), is the most effective treatment for BDD. Medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may also be prescribed alongside therapy to reduce symptoms.
Through BDD counselling, you can:
Challenge negative thoughts about your appearance.
Reduce compulsive behaviours linked to appearance concerns.
Build healthier self-esteem and body image.
Learn coping strategies to manage anxiety and distress.
Step-by-step guide to managing BDD
Recognise symptoms: Acknowledge how appearance concerns affect your life.
Seek professional help: Consult a therapist experienced in BDD treatment.
Engage in CBT with ERP: Work on facing fears and stopping compulsive behaviours.
Consider medication: Discuss SSRIs with your healthcare provider if appropriate.
Build support: Involve trusted people to encourage progress and reduce isolation.
Understanding
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an anxiety disorder where individuals become excessively preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance, often focusing on specific features like skin, hair, or body shape. This distress can be so severe that it interferes with daily life, social activities, and relationships.
What does BDD feel like?
Living with BDD often means spending hours worrying about appearance, feeling intense shame or anxiety, and engaging in repetitive behaviours like mirror checking or skin picking. This preoccupation can lead to avoidance of social situations and significant emotional distress.
How to overcome BDD with therapy
Therapy, especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP), is the most effective treatment for BDD. Medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may also be prescribed alongside therapy to reduce symptoms.
Through BDD counselling, you can:
Challenge negative thoughts about your appearance.
Reduce compulsive behaviours linked to appearance concerns.
Build healthier self-esteem and body image.
Learn coping strategies to manage anxiety and distress.
Step-by-step guide to managing BDD
Recognise symptoms: Acknowledge how appearance concerns affect your life.
Seek professional help: Consult a therapist experienced in BDD treatment.
Engage in CBT with ERP: Work on facing fears and stopping compulsive behaviours.
Consider medication: Discuss SSRIs with your healthcare provider if appropriate.
Build support: Involve trusted people to encourage progress and reduce isolation.
Let's find your perfect therapist.
Let's find your perfect therapist.
Let's find your perfect therapist.
Tailored support from trusted Manchester-based therapists — in-person or online.
Tailored support from trusted Manchester-based therapists — in-person or online.