Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

An accessible and informative guide to understanding body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), written specifically for clients.

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A psychoeducational guide. Typically containing elements of skills development.

Overview

Our ‘Understanding…’ series is a collection of psychoeducation guides for common mental health conditions. Friendly and explanatory, they are comprehensive sources of information for your clients. Concepts are explained in an easily digestible way, with plenty of case examples and accessible diagrams. Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is designed to help clients with BDD understand more about their condition.

Why Use This Resource?

This guide aims to help clients learn more about . It explains what BDD is, what the common symptoms are, and effective ways to address it, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Identify symptoms of BDD and the factors that contribute to it.
Understand what keeps BDD going.
Explore effective treatments for BDD.
Gain insights into how people experience BDD and how they overcome it.

Key Benefits

Comprehensive

Explores what body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is and what maintains it.

Relatable

Contains detailed examples and relatable case studies.

Supportive

Written in a friendly and accessible manner.

Hopeful

Outlines effective treatment options.

Who is this for?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

For people who feel distressed or preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance.

Integrating it into your practice

Assess

Identify clients who may be experiencing body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).

Provide the guide to clients who could benefit from it.

Educate

Use the content to inform clients about BDD and help normalize their experiences.

Reflect

Discuss the client’s personal experience with BDD.

Intervene

Plan treatment with the client or direct them to other sources of help and support.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Many people express concerns about their appearance, but when these worries become highly distressing or intrusive, they may be a sign of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). BDD is not uncommon: epidemiological studies estimate that between 1% and 3% of the population are affected (Hartmann, Buhlmann & Phillips, 2017). Encouragingly, effective treatment approaches for BDD have been established, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) showing particular efficacy.

What's inside

Introduction to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
Guidance for introducing and using the resource with clients.
Key references for learning more about BDD.

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FAQs

BDD is a mental health condition characterized by intense preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in one's appearance, which are often unnoticeable to others.

Important maintenance factors often include 'zooming in' on perceived defects, problematic appearance-related rituals, and unhelpful ways of thinking (e.g., self-criticism).

CBT is an effective therapy that focuses on addressing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that maintain BDD.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

By using this resource in their clinical practice, therapists can:

Identify individuals who may be experiencing body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
Help clients better understand their difficulties and what maintains them.
Explore treatment options.
Encourage hope and optimism about change.

References And Further Reading

Hartmann, A. S., Buhlmann, U., & Phillips, K. A. (2017). Prevalence and under-recognition of body dysmorphic disorder. In: Phillips, K. A. (Ed.), Body dysmorphic disorder: Advances in Research and Clinical Practice (pp.49-60). Oxford University Press.
Baldock, E., Veale, D., & Phillips, K. A. (2017). The self as an aesthetic object: body image, beliefs about the self, and shame in a cognitive-behavioral model of body dysmorphic disorder. In: Phillips, K. A. (Ed.), Body dysmorphic disorder: Advances in Research and Clinical Practice (pp.299-312). Oxford University Press.
Buhlmann, U., Etcoff, N.L., Wilhelm, S. (2008). Facial attractiveness ratings and perfectionism in body dysmorphic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 22, 540-547.
Veale, D., Ennis, M., & Lambrou, C. (2002). Possible association of body dysmorphic disorder with an occupation or education in art and design. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159, 1788-1790.
Neziroglu, F., & Barile, N. (2017). Environmental factors in body dysmorphic disorder. In: Phillips, K. A. (Ed.), Body dysmorphic disorder: Advances in Research and Clinical Practice (pp.277-284). Oxford University Press.
Harrison, A., Fernandez de la Cruz, L., Enander, J., Radua, J, & Mataix-Cols, D. (2016). Cognitive-behavioural therapy for body dysorphic disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Psychology Review, 48, 43-51.
Veale, D., & Neziroglu, F. (2010). Body dysmorphic disorder: A treatment manual. John Wiley and Sons.
Wilhlem, S., Phillips, K., Steketee, G. (2013). A Cognitive-behavioural treatment manual for body dysmorphic disorder. Guildford.
Greenberg, J.L., Reumann, L., Hartmann, A.S., Kasarskis, I., & Wilhelm, S. (2014). Visual hot spots: An eye tracking study of attention bias in BDD. Psychiatry Research, 57, 125-132.
Grocholewski, A., Kliem, S., & Heinrichs, N. (2012). Selective attention to imagined facial ugliness is specific to body dysmorphic disorder. Body Image, 9, 261-269.
Crerand, C. E., Sarwer, D. B., & Ryan, M. (2017). Cosmetic medical and surgical treatments and body dysmorphic disorder. In: Phillips, K. A. (Ed.), Body dysmorphic disorder: Advances in research and clinical practice (pp.431-448). Oxford University Press.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2005). Obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder: treatment. Retrieved from: NICE Guidance (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg31)

A Guide To Emotions

Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

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Guide (PDF)

Overview

Why Use This Resource?