BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER (BDD) - SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

The primary distinguishing feature of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an obsessive preoccupation with a perceived defect in one's physical appearance. BDD obsessions may manifest as excessive, disproportionate concerns about a minor flaw, or as recurrent, anxiety-provoking thoughts about an entirely imagined defect. BDD obsessions are most frequently focused on the head and face, but may involve any body part. BDD goes beyond normal concern with one's appearance, and may significantly impair academic and professional functioning, as well as interpersonal relationships. In extreme cases, an individual with BDD may completely shun any contact with people in an effort to avoid having the defect being observed by others.

Common BDD obsessions involve:

• Moles and freckles being too large or noticeable
• Acne
• Minor scars or skin aberrations
• Too much facial or body hair
• Too little hair on head
• Size and/or shape of genitalia
• Breast size
• Muscles being too small
• Overall size, shape and/or symmetry of the face or another body part

Common BDD compulsions include:

• Repetitive checking of a minor or imagined flaw in mirrors
• Avoidance of mirrors
• Avoidance of having picture taken
• Repetitive grooming activities such as shaving, combing hair, etc.
• Repetitive checking, touching and/or measuring of a minor or imagined defect
• Wearing excessive make-up to camouflage a minor or imagined flaw
• Wearing certain clothes to camouflage a minor or imagined defect
• Multiple medical visits, especially to dermatologists
• Multiple medical procedures in an effort to eradicate a minor or imagined flaw

As demonstrated above, BDD has obsessive-compulsive features that are quite similar to those of OCD. In fact, one recent study found that 24% of those with BDD also had OCD. Perhaps the most significant similarity linking BDD and OCD is the cyclical process by which the symptoms of both increase. To learn more about this process, click here.

Because of these many similarities, the same Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques that are so effective in treating OCD are also employed in BDD treatment. The primary technique used in both OCD and BDD treatment is a type of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy called "Exposure and Response Prevention" (ERP). For more information on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for the treatment of BDD, click here.

In addition to individual therapy for BDD, the OCD Center of Los Angeles also offers five weekly, low-fee, therapy/support groups for people with OCD, BDD, and related conditions. These groups are lead by our staff therapists, and use the same treatment protocol as our individual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy program. For more information on these groups, click here.

If you are experiencing any of the above BDD symptoms, and would like to discuss individual or group therapy for the treatment of BDD at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, you can call us at (310) 335-5443, or click here to email us. If you live outside Southern California, we recommend that you contact a licensed Cognitive-Behavioral therapist in your local area.