Glossary
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
What is
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health concern which causes significant distress to individuals who often benefit from personalised therapeutic support.
What Is It?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a person becomes excessively preoccupied with perceived flaws or defects in their appearance, which are often minor or not noticeable to others. This obsessive focus can lead to significant emotional distress and impact daily functioning.
Common Experiences
People with BDD commonly experience intense anxiety about their looks, spending large amounts of time checking mirrors, grooming, or seeking reassurance. They may compare themselves to others, avoid social situations, or fixate on specific body parts they believe are “wrong” or “ugly,” despite reassurances from those around them.
How It Can Affect You
Constant self-criticism can severely affect a person’s self-esteem, relationships, and ability to engage in work, school, or social life. In some cases, it may lead to depression, isolation, or seeking unnecessary cosmetic procedures in an attempt to “fix” the perceived flaws.
Ways Therapy Can Help
Providing coping strategies for managing body dysmorphic disorder (bdd)
Creating a safe space to explore thoughts and emotions
Identifying triggers and underlying causes
Building resilience, self-compassion and improving self-awareness
