Home / Conditions We Treat: Anxiety, OCD, and Related Conditions / OCD and Related Behaviors / Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treatment

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Signs and Symptoms | Early Assessment | Impact | Treatment | Resources | FAQ |
Click to play

What is Body Dysmorphic Phobia and how is it treated? 1:40

Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

If your child or teen is preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance, spends excessive time checking mirrors, comparing themselves to others, or avoiding social situations because of appearance concerns, specialized body dysmorphic disorder treatment can help.

Anxiety Institute provides evidence-based panic disorder assessment and treatment for teens and young adults in Greenwich, CT; Madison, NJ; and McLean, VA, with online options available. Families searching for a panic disorder therapist or panic disorder treatment center can access specialized care from our experienced clinicians using proven approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP). Early treatment can reduce panic symptoms, decrease avoidance, and help young people regain confidence and independence. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to learn which program may be the best fit for your family.

Signs and Symptoms

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is characterized by excessive concern about one or more perceived flaws in physical appearance that are either not observable or appear minor to others.

These concerns can become overwhelming and may consume hours each day.

Common Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms

  • Persistent preoccupation with appearance
  • Fear of being judged based on appearance
  • Belief that others notice or criticize perceived flaws
  • Excessive self-consciousness
  • Shame and embarrassment
  • Low self-esteem
  • Difficulty concentrating due to appearance concerns
  • Perfectionistic thinking

Common Behavioral Symptoms

  • Mirror checking
  • Excessive grooming
  • Repeatedly changing clothing
  • Comparing appearance to others
  • Seeking reassurance about appearance
  • Camouflaging perceived flaws with clothing, makeup, or hairstyles
  • Avoiding photographs
  • Avoiding social situations
  • Skin picking
  • Excessive exercise
  • Seeking cosmetic procedures

Common Areas of Concern

Individuals with BDD may focus on:

  • Skin
  • Hair
  • Nose
  • Teeth
  • Weight or body shape
  • Facial features
  • Muscle size or definition
  • Overall appearance or symmetry

Early Body Dysmorphic Disorder Assessment Matters

A comprehensive body dysmorphic disorder assessment can help determine whether symptoms are related to BDD, OCD, an eating disorder, social anxiety, depression, or another condition.

Because BDD is frequently misunderstood or misdiagnosed, specialized evaluation is important.

Our assessments evaluate:

  • Appearance-related obsessions and concerns
  • Compulsive behaviors and avoidance patterns
  • Social and academic functioning
  • Family accommodation
  • Co-occurring OCD, anxiety, depression, or eating concerns
  • Risk factors and symptom severity
  • Recommended level of care

We explain findings clearly and help families understand practical next steps.

Impact on School, Family, and Relationships

School Impact

Students with BDD may:

  • Avoid school due to appearance concerns
  • Miss classes or social activities
  • Have difficulty concentrating
  • Avoid presentations or group participation
  • Spend excessive time getting ready for school

Social Impact

BDD can significantly interfere with:

  • Friendships
  • Dating and romantic relationships
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Social events
  • College readiness and independence

Many adolescents withdraw socially because they fear being judged or scrutinized by others.

Family Impact

Families often experience:

  • Frequent reassurance requests
  • Increased conflict related to appearance concerns
  • Accommodation of avoidance behaviors
  • Frustration and worry about their child’s distress

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treatment

Evidence-Based Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treatment: CBT and ERP

The gold standard treatment for body dysmorphic disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with exposure and response prevention (ERP).

CBT for body dysmorphic disorder helps individuals identify distorted beliefs about appearance and develop more balanced ways of thinking.

ERP for body dysmorphic disorder helps individuals gradually face feared situations while reducing compulsive behaviors such as:

  • Mirror checking
  • Reassurance seeking
  • Camouflaging
  • Appearance comparisons
  • Avoidance of social situations

Over time, anxiety decreases and confidence grows.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT may also be incorporated into treatment to help individuals:

  • Develop psychological flexibility
  • Reduce the impact of distressing thoughts
  • Increase willingness to experience discomfort
  • Focus on values rather than appearance concerns

Muscle Dysmorphia Treatment

A specialized form of BDD known as muscle dysmorphia primarily affects males who believe their bodies are not muscular enough despite often appearing fit or muscular to others.

Treatment follows similar evidence-based principles, focusing on obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and avoidance patterns related to appearance.

Working with a Body Dysmorphic Disorder Specialist

Our experienced body dysmorphic disorder therapists develop individualized treatment plans based on each client’s symptoms, developmental needs, and goals.

Treatment may include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Family support and parent coaching
  • Psychiatric consultation when appropriate
  • Intensive outpatient treatment options

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treatment Center in CT, NJ, and VA

Anxiety Institute specializes in treating OCD, anxiety disorders, and body dysmorphic disorder in adolescents and young adults.

We offer:

  • Comprehensive body dysmorphic disorder assessments
  • Individualized treatment plans
  • CBT, ERP, and ACT therapy
  • Parent guidance and family support
  • Intensive outpatient treatment options
  • In-person treatment in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Virginia
  • Online treatment in eligible locations

Looking for a Body Dysmorphic Disorder Therapist?

If your child or teen is struggling with body dysmorphic disorder, early treatment can make a meaningful difference. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation. Our team will answer your questions, explain treatment options, and help determine the right next step for your family.

Contact Us

Resources

Newsletter:
Read Anxiety Institute’s newsletter about body dysmorphic disorder.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation
www.bddfoundation.org

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Popular Literature
www.guides.library.illinois.edu

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.)
American Psychiatric Association. (2013).
Find it on Amazon

What is BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder)?
International OCD Foundation
Read Article

What is BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder)?
New York Times
Read Article

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick FAQs
Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Scroll down for more detailed information and additional resources.

Click to play

What is body dysmorphic disorder and how is it treated? 1:41

What is body dysmorphic disorder?
Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition where a person becomes preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance, often unnoticeable to others. This rumination can include repetitive behaviors or mental rituals that increase anxiety and depression. Common concerns involve the skin, face, and stomach, and may also include hair, chest or breasts, thighs, hips, buttocks, or genitals depending on the individual.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include frequent mirror checking or avoidance, excessive grooming, using makeup or clothing to hide perceived flaws, comparing oneself to others, and seeking constant reassurance. Some individuals may avoid social activities, feel anxious or depressed, or engage in harmful behaviors such as skin picking. BDD can also lead to unnecessary medical procedures or plastic surgeries, which often worsen distress, and may increase risk of suicidal thoughts.
What causes BDD?
The exact cause is unknown. Contributing factors may include family history, negative experiences related to body image such as teasing or bullying, and brain differences affecting serotonin levels. Past experiences and repeated negative evaluation can reinforce preoccupations.
How is it diagnosed?
BDD is diagnosed after ruling out medical conditions. A mental health professional conducts a psychological evaluation to assess thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to body image, as well as personal, social, family, and medical history. This helps determine whether BDD is present and identify possible contributing factors.
Can it go away on its own?
No. BDD rarely improves without treatment. Symptoms may worsen over time, leading to increased anxiety, depression, excessive medical procedures, or suicidal thoughts. Shame and embarrassment about appearance can delay seeking help.
What treatments are available?
Evidence-based treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to replace negative thoughts with healthier patterns. Exposure response prevention (ERP) can help reduce compulsive behaviors, and antidepressants such as SSRIs can regulate serotonin to decrease obsessive thoughts and compulsions.
What makes it worse or triggers it?
BDD can worsen with ongoing rumination, multiple cosmetic procedures, stressful life events, trauma, or negative body experiences. Genetic predisposition and brain chemical imbalances may also trigger symptoms. Lack of support can exacerbate distress.
How does it interfere with daily life?
BDD can significantly affect daily functioning. Individuals may spend excessive time on grooming, avoid social interactions, struggle with school or work, and experience emotional distress. Relationships may be strained due to irritability, reassurance seeking, avoidance of intimacy, or social withdrawal.
How can family and friends support?
Family and friends can provide support by listening without judgment and validating the individual’s experience. Encourage professional care, discuss mental health openly, and offer to accompany them to appointments if needed. Avoid dismissing concerns or arguing about appearance, as this can increase isolation and delay treatment.
Hope & Insights

More about Body Dysmorphic Disorder