It helps you learn what triggers your symptoms, and teaches you different ways of thinking about and dealing with your habits. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)ĬBT can help you manage your BDD symptoms by changing the way you think and behave.

If your symptoms are more severe, or other treatments do not work, you should be offered CBT together with an SSRI. If you have moderate symptoms, you should be offered either CBT or a type of antidepressant medicine called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). If your symptoms are relatively mild, you should be referred for a type of talking therapy called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which you have either on your own or in a group. The symptoms of BDD can get better with treatment. You can also refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) without a referral from a GP.įind an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) Treatments for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) Getting help is important because your symptoms probably will not go away without treatment and may get worse. It can be very difficult to seek help for BDD, but it's important to remember that you have nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. You may be treated by the GP, or they may refer you to a mental health specialist for further assessment and treatment. They may also ask if you've had any thoughts about harming yourself. They'll probably ask a number of questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. You should see a GP if you think you might have BDD. Getting help for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

go to a lot of effort to conceal flaws – for example, by spending a long time combing your hair, applying make-up or choosing clothesīDD can seriously affect your daily life, including your work, social life and relationships.īDD can also lead to depression, self-harm and even thoughts of suicide.

look at yourself in mirrors a lot or avoid mirrors altogether.

spend a lot of time comparing your looks with other people's.

worry a lot about a specific area of your body (particularly your face).

Symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) It can be very upsetting and have a big impact on your life. Having BDD does not mean you're vain or self-obsessed.

People of any age can have BDD, but it's most common in teenagers and young adults.

These flaws are often unnoticeable to others. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance.

Flaws and all meaning