Body Dysmorphic EXPLAINED

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Treatment

Specialist, evidence-based treatment for body dysmorphic disorders in a compassionate, confidential setting designed to support lasting recovery.

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Body Dysmorphic EXPLAINED?

What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an anxiety disorder that causes sufferers to spend a lot of time worrying about their appearance and to have a distorted view of how they look. Body dysmorphia disorder treatment is essential for addressing this condition. In BDD, the distress and anxiety experienced by a sufferer is extreme and excessive; in very severe cases, it can prevent people from being able to leave their own house. A person with BDD will become so preoccupied with their body dissatisfaction that it starts to interfere with their social life, work, or relationships.

1.25M

people living with an eating disorder

Body dysmorphia disorder treatment

Is essential for addressing this condition. BDD can be focused on weight, shape, specific features (e.g., skin, hair, nose, face, hips), or overall attractiveness.

46%

of Adults feel unhappy about appearance

ASPECTS OF IMPORTANCE

Emotional and Psychological Aspects

Explain how BDD often involves anxiety, shame, intrusive thoughts, and emotional distress connected to appearance.

The Importance of Understanding

Reassure readers that BDD is not vanity or a choice – it is a complex mental health condition deserving compassionate support.

How We Support you

Signs and Symptoms of BDD

Introduce that symptoms can vary in intensity but generally involve preoccupation with appearance, checking behaviours, avoidance, or comparison with others. Encourage early help-seeking even if symptoms feel manageable.
  • Excessive checking or avoidance of mirrors
  • Frequent comparing of appearance to others
  • Eating in secret or disappearing after meals
  • Camouflaging or hiding perceived flaws
  • Persistent self-criticism about appearance
  • Distress, anxiety, or avoidance of social situations

How The London Centre
Supports Recovery

Explain that treatment is clinician-led, bespoke, and confidential.
Highlight the multidisciplinary approach – psychological therapy, psychiatric support if needed, and compassionate guidance. Use the keyword body dysmorphia treatment naturally. Reassure that recovery focuses on emotional wellbeing, daily functioning, and regaining confidence.

Personalised Care

Who Is Affected By BDD?

BDD affects males and females equally and can affect all age groups but usually starts in adolescence. It is more common in people with a history of depression or social phobia and often occurs alongside OCD, generalised anxiety disorder, or sometimes an eating disorder. Counselling for body dysmorphia can be highly beneficial in these cases.

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Personalised Care

Therapies Used to Treat
Body Dismorphia

Introduce the therapies offered, explaining that they address the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that maintain BDD.
Use the keyword body dismorphia therapy naturally

  • CBT-E (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders)
  • MANTRA Therapy
  • Schema Therapy
  • Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
  • Family Therapy, including Family-Based Treatment (FBT)
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

How Is BDD Treated & What Helps Dysmorphia

The most effective body dysmorphia disorder treatment for BDD is cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure response prevention (CBT with ERP). Where BDD is moderate or severe, people may benefit from being prescribed an SSRI (anti-depressant) alongside therapy. Understanding how is BDD treated is crucial for effective recovery.

Benefits of Specialist Body Dismorphia Treatment

  • Reduce obsessive appearance-focused thoughts
  • Reduce avoidance and safety behaviours
  • Improve emotional regulation and coping skills
  • Strengthen relationships and daily functioning
  • Build healthier self-esteem and confidence
  • Support long-term wellbeing and resilience
A Place of Specialist Support

When to Seek Help for
BDD

Explain that individuals should seek help whenever appearance concerns begin affecting daily life, mood, relationships, or self-esteem. Use the keyword body dysmorphia help naturally.
Emphasise that earlier support can reduce the severity of symptoms and promote long-term recovery. Reassure readers that treatment is accessible, confidential, and tailored.

FAQ’s

FAQs About BDD Treatment

An assessment is a confidential, supportive conversation with a specialist clinician. We explore your relationship with food, the emotional factors involved, and any physical or behavioural symptoms to help guide the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Yes. Many people recover fully through outpatient treatment, which provides effective, evidence-based support without the need for inpatient admission.

CBT-E and MANTRA are among the leading evidence-based approaches and are widely recommended for bulimia nervosa. Other therapies may be integrated depending on your individual needs.

Absolutely. Family involvement — particularly through family therapy or structured joint sessions — can be an important part of recovery, especially for children and adolescents.

We pride ourselves on maintaining short waiting times. Our team responds quickly and confidentially to new enquiries, and appointments can typically begin within a short timeframe. In order to simplify our booking process for people who want to see a clinician asap, we created our Fast-Track Assessment Service which you can access here.

Start your journey

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

End with a compassionate message about healing, support, and hope.
Reinforce that no one has to face BDD alone and that professional help is available.
Include a clear, action-focused CTA.

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