Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health disorder that is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed due to its confusion with negative body image. At Southlake Counseling, Kimberly Krueger, MSW, LCSW, and our multidisciplinary trained team offer counseling for BDD.
What are some common signs of BDD?
- Frequent thoughts about appearance (at least an hour a day).
- Spending a lot of time staring in a mirror and/or reflective surface while fixated on the perceived flaw, or in some cases, complete avoidance of mirrors/reflective surfaces.
- Frequent appointments with medical professionals/cosmetic surgeons to get the disliked body area “fixed.”
- Leaving the house less often or only going out at night to prevent others from seeing the “flaw.”
- Emotional problems, such as feelings of disgust, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, suicidal thinking, etc.
How is BDD treated?
The team at Southlake utilizes an integrated approach that each individual who is experiencing Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Treatment starts with a clinical assessment where your therapist will discuss your history to get to know you better while assessing your symptoms for the best treatment for you. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is utilized in the treatment of BDD. CBT focuses on the thoughts and repetitive behaviors triggered by body dysmorphia including the fixation on the perceived flaws of their appearance that clients with BDD experience.