BDD Basics: Spotting the Signs and Finding Help

After attending a recent training seminar, I am excited to share this information about Body Dysmorphic Disorder!

Most people have some concern over the way they look. My nose is too big. Am I muscular enough? Is this pimple noticeable? According to the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), “when these types of thoughts and feelings become time-consuming and cause significant emotional distress (such as anxiety, sadness, or self-consciousness) and/or significant problems in your daily life — this is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).” Most often, people with BDD focus on a facial feature(s), shape/size of head, hips, arms/legs, and/or body build. 

Common signs and symptoms of BDD include:

• Either excessive time spent in front of a mirror or avoidance of looking at your reflection 
• Reassurance seeking to see if others think you look okay or notice your perceived flaw(s)
• Attempts at removing skin blemishes (excessive skin picking, using tweezers, etc.)
• Avoiding interactions with other people or trying to hide perceived flaw(s) using makeup or clothing
• Frequent medical appointments to address the flaw(s) or undergoing plastic surgery 
• Impairments in day-to-day functioning like difficulty concentrating or trouble keeping up with responsibilities due to time spent thinking about the perceived flaw(s)
• Low self-esteem, depression, or suicidal ideation

BDD is considered an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder due to the presence of repetitive thoughts and compulsive behaviors; similarly seen in OCD. It’s also important to note that the differences between BDD and eating disorders can sometimes be subtle. If you have concerns over your weight and body shape that are also accompanied by restrictive eating patterns, an eating disorder may be a more accurate diagnosis.

Once BDD is recognized, treatment options include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medications like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Exposure & Ritual Prevention (E/RP). CBT focuses on recognizing cognitive distortions and reframing maladaptive thought patterns related to your perceived flaw(s), while with E/RP, you work on slowly reducing avoidance behaviors and resisting rituals like mirror checking, reassurance seeking and skin picking. 

For more information about treatment options, check out this article by the IOCDF: https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/therapists-guide-to-bdd-tx/ or give us a call!