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Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Cognitive Behavioral Model Of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD: Veale, 2004)
A licensed copy of Veale's (2004) cognitive behavioral model of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) which describes a framework to address key components of BDD.
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Overview
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) involves a persistent preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance, often unnoticeable to others. This cognitive behavioral model (Veale, 2004) outlines how BDD is maintained by distorted beliefs, self-focused attention, and safety behaviors like checking and avoidance. It offers a clear framework to support formulation and treatment.
Why Use This Resource?
Understanding the key underpinnings of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is important for effective intervention. This resource helps clinicians:
- Understand the maintenance mechanisms associated with BDD.
- Explain key aspects of BDD, such as negative body image and use safety of behaviors.
- Develop appropriate case formulation for clients struggling with BDD.
Key Benefits
Insight
Deepens understanding of how BDD is maintained.
Education
Acts as an informative client handout.
Discussion
Promotes exploration of key factors in BDD.
Learning
Supports clinician knowledge and supervision.
Who is this for?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Designed to help clients understand more about BDD.
Integrating it into your practice
01
Learn
Understand more about the cognitive behavioral model of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
02
Organize
Use the model as a template to organize your case formulations.
03
Educate
Use your knowledge of the model to explain maintenance processes to clients.
04
Discuss
Engage clients in discussions about their beliefs and behaviors.
05
Tailor
Customize interventions based on individual maintenance mechanisms.
06
Reflect
Use in supervision to discuss case conceptualizations and treatment plans.
Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance
This is a cognitive model of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) adapted from Veale (2004). The model identified key maintenance mechanisms which serve to prolong distress and preoccupation in BDD. This worksheet can be used as an aid to individualised case formulation in BDD.
What's inside
- A graphical depiction of the model.
- Insights into key maintenance mechanisms.
- Guidelines for using the resource with clients.
FAQs
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health condition where individuals become extremely preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance, which are sometimes imperceptible to others.
The model explains how negative body image, use of safety behaviors, mood changes, and rumination (amongst others) perpetuate BDD.
Clinicians use it to guide their case formulation, helping them to effectively target their interventions.
How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes
By applying the model, therapists and clients benefit from:
- Targeted interventions focusing on key maintenance mechanisms.
- Enhanced client engagement through increased understanding of their difficulties.
- Improved treatment outcomes by addressing core psychological features.
Clinicians Who Use This Resource Also Use
References And Further Reading
- Veale, D. (2004). Advances in a cognitive behavioural model of body dysmorphic disorder. Body Image, 1, 113-125.
- Veale, D. (2001). Cognitive-behavioural therapy for body dysmorphic disorder. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 7, 125-132.
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