Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Find relief when appearance worries feel overwhelming.
Do you find yourself constantly worrying about how a specific part of your body looks? Do you spend hours trying to hide, fix, or check it—yet never feel satisfied? These persistent thoughts can lead to anxiety, depression, and disruptions in daily life, such as work, school, or social relationships.
Take the Next Step
If worries about your appearance are consuming your life and leaving you anxious or depressed, psychotherapy may help. Reaching out for support can be the first step toward relief and recovery.
At Mindset Family Therapy, our team is specially trained and experienced in treating this condition, especially when it occurs alongside Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
If you or a loved one are struggling, we're here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how treatment can make a difference.
What is BDD?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health condition where someone becomes preoccupied with a perceived flaw in their appearance—often something minor or even unnoticeable to others.
Despite this, the concern feels very real and distressing. People with BDD may spend one to eight hours a day focused on their appearance.
Common behaviors include:
- •Covering up with clothing, makeup, hats, or posture
- •Frequently checking mirrors or avoiding them altogether
- •Comparing appearance with others
- •Excessive grooming, dieting, or exercising
- •Seeking reassurance or cosmetic procedures
- •Picking at skin or constantly touching the "flawed" area
Many people with BDD feel shame, worrying that others will see them as vain, when in reality they feel deeply unattractive.
Treatment for BDD
Research shows BDD responds best to a combination of medication and psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Mindfulness practices can also reduce distress and improve outcomes.
What to Expect in Therapy
Treatment is tailored to each individual and may include:
- •A full assessment with interviews and questionnaires
- •Psychoeducation about BDD
- •CBT skills to challenge negative thinking patterns
- •ERP to reduce compulsive behaviors
- •Mirror retraining
- •Mindfulness and habit-reversal strategies
- •Relapse prevention planning
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