Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a person becomes intensely focused on perceived flaws in their appearance. These concerns can involve any part of the body, such as shape, size, symmetry, colour, texture, or specific features. Often, these perceived flaws are minor or not noticeable to others, but they can feel very significant to the person experiencing them.
This preoccupation can cause high levels of distress and lead to repetitive behaviours aimed at checking, hiding, or “fixing” the perceived flaws. Over time, BDD can affect confidence, relationships, work, and social life. It is often associated with low mood, social anxiety, and isolation.
Psychological and Emotional Symptoms
People with BDD may experience:
- Persistent focus on a specific body part (e.g., skin, hair, nose, teeth, chin)
- Strong beliefs that others notice and judge their appearance negatively
- Feeling unattractive, abnormal, or disfigured despite reassurance from others
- Intrusive and time-consuming worries about appearance, often lasting hours each day
- Intense feelings of anxiety, shame, disgust, or low mood related to appearance
- Symptoms of depression, which may include thoughts of self-harm or suicide in some cases
- Seeking cosmetic or medical procedures to “fix” concerns, but remaining dissatisfied
Behavioural Symptoms
BDD often leads to repetitive behaviours or avoidance, such as:
- Frequently checking mirrors, or avoiding them altogether
- Spending significant time grooming, applying makeup, or choosing clothing to hide concerns
- Picking at the skin or repeatedly touching areas of concern
- Using hats, makeup, clothing, or body positioning to camouflage perceived flaws
- Asking others for reassurance about appearance
- Avoiding social situations, work, or school due to appearance worries
How We Can Help
We offer cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), an evidence based approach that explores the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. CBT is the recommended first line psychological treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and focuses on breaking the cycle of distressing thoughts and behaviours linked to appearance concerns.
In therapy, you will gain a clearer understanding of how BDD develops and what maintains it. Treatment supports you in reducing distressing thoughts about appearance, gradually facing avoided situations while reducing repetitive behaviours, and developing healthier ways of seeing yourself. CBT provides practical tools and supportive strategies to help you move beyond appearance worries.
With the right guidance, many people experience relief, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with the life they want to live.
Sessions are available in person or remotely via phone or online, offering flexibility to suit your preferences and schedule. Together, we can work towards breaking free from the cycle of BDD and rebuilding the confidence to live a more fulfilling life.
Your Free Consultation
- 20-minute session by phone or online
- A friendly, informal chat at a time that suits you
- Brief discussion about your challenges and goals
- Overview of how evidence-based therapy could support you
- Time to ask any questions
- No pressure, just a chance to see if we’re the right fit
Our Approach
We understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting. That’s why we’re passionate about ensuring you feel heard, understood, and respected from the very start. Our approach is warm, down-to-earth, and rooted in evidence-based therapies designed to support meaningful, lasting change. You will be treated with compassion, respect, and discretion, with a focus on creating a supportive and comfortable experience.