Body dysmorphia, also known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition that causes individuals to obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance—flaws that are often invisible or minor to others. This article explains what body dysmorphia is, the signs to watch for, and how therapy for body image issues can help you or someone you love move toward healing.

What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is more than occasional insecurity—it’s a chronic, intrusive condition that can severely impact mental health, relationships, and daily life. People with BDD often:

• Obsess over specific parts of their body (e.g., skin, hair, nose, weight)

• Spend excessive time in front of mirrors or avoid them altogether

• Constantly seek reassurance or compare themselves to others

• Engage in repetitive behaviors like skin-picking or grooming

• Avoid social settings due to appearance-related anxiety

• Consider or undergo unnecessary cosmetic procedures

BDD usually begins in adolescence and may occur alongside conditions like anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Signs and Symptoms of Body Dysmorphia

If you’re wondering whether you or someone you know may have body dysmorphia, look for the following signs:

• Excessive preoccupation with perceived appearance flaws

• Low self-esteem tied to physical appearance

• Impaired daily functioning due to appearance concerns

• Avoidance behaviors like skipping school, work, or social events

• Compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming or mirror checking

How Therapy Helps Treat Body Dysmorphia

Effective treatment for body dysmorphia typically involves therapy, and in some cases, medication. Below are the top therapy options supported by research:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most widely recommended treatment for BDD. It focuses on helping individuals:

• Identify and challenge distorted thoughts about their appearance

• Reduce obsessive behaviors such as mirror checking or comparing

• Develop healthier coping skills to manage anxiety and stress

• Rebuild self-worth independent of physical appearance

CBT often includes Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which helps people confront feared situations (like being in public without makeup) without resorting to compulsive behaviors.

2. Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Therapies

These therapies help individuals change how they relate to their thoughts rather than trying to eliminate them. Benefits include:

• Increased awareness of negative thought patterns

• Reduced emotional reactivity

• Better ability to tolerate distress without spiraling into obsessive behaviors

Practices like mindfulness meditation and acceptance-based exercises promote self-compassion and emotional resilience.

3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), originally developed for emotional regulation issues, is effective for individuals with BDD who also experience mood swings, self-harm urges, or suicidal thoughts. DBT provides tools for:

• Emotion regulation

• Distress tolerance

• Interpersonal effectiveness

• Mindfulness training

This approach is especially helpful when body dysmorphia coexists with conditions like anxiety or borderline personality disorder.

4. Medication (as a Supplement)

Some people benefit from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), especially if they have co-occurring anxiety or depression. Medication is most effective when combined with ongoing therapy.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Without treatment, body dysmorphia can become debilitating, leading to isolation, job loss, relationship problems, or even suicidal thoughts. Therapy not only helps manage symptoms—it can transform the way someone views themselves and their life.

Healing from body dysmorphia is a journey, but it’s absolutely possible with the right support. Please feel free to reach out and schedule a free consultation with one of our therapists.