Body Dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, is an anxiety condition related to body image, which can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to carry on with day-to-day life. BDD can manifest itself in obsessive worries about ‘flaws’ in physical appearance, which can also cause sufferers to develop compulsive behaviours. Individuals with BDD often feel defined by their perceived imperfections, even though what they ‘see’ may be very different to how others view their body.
Constantly checking on your appearance in mirrors, attempting to camouflage or alter perceived defects, and avoiding certain public situations can all be signs of BDD. In some cases, this may lead to becoming housebound, or having unnecessary cosmetic treatments to try to change what you view to be imperfections. Examples of BBD symptoms can include:
· Focusing on the appearance of other people and comparing your looks to them
· Excessively using beauty products, such as tanning products or make-up
· Seeking constant reassurance about your looks
· Picking at skin to make it ‘smooth’
· Wearing specific clothes to mask your body shape
· Frequently and excessively exercising, to target specific areas of the body.
Many sufferers of BDD may find it hard to accept that they are struggling with the condition. Whatever your symptoms, our specialists at Bridges Therapy Centre in Canary Wharf, Hendon and Central London can help you to accept the condition and provide ways of managing your negative thoughts and subsequent actions.
Identifying and Managing BDD
Our treatment plans for BDD will often include a form of CBT named Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which aims to help individuals to minimise negative thoughts and develop flexible thinking. Considering your specific symptoms, ACT can help to identify the connections between your BDD-associated thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Our therapists will assist you in developing practical skills to manage your symptoms, improving your attitude to your physical appearance and reducing the compulsion to carry out unwanted behaviours.
How We Can Help
Taking into account each individual case of BDD, our caring team will always spend the time to get to know you and your condition during your treatment. This will give us a complete insight into your BDD, enabling us to create a tailor-made therapy plan specifically for your needs. For more information about our comprehensive treatment programmes for Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Hendon, Canary Wharf and Central London, please contact our expert team for an initial consultation.
Bridges Therapy Centre
18a Heriot Road,
London, NW4 2DG
Bridges Therapy Centre - Hendon, London, NW4 - English & Hebrew Counselling & Therapy Services
The contents on this site is for information only, and is not meant to substitute the advice of your own physician or other medical professional