What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

This informational handout provides a client-friendly overview of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and ways to address it.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Overview

Many people have concerns about how they look, but significant and persistent worry about one's appearance may be a sign of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). BDD centres on an individual's belief (or felt sense) that there is something wrong with the way they look. This handout explains what BDD is, what maintains it, and what the recommended treatments are.

Why Use This Resource?

This resource is expertly designed to support clients by:

Describing key features of body dysmorphic disorder.
Explaining what keeps BDD going.
Highlighting effective treatment options.
Fostering optimism about change and recovery.

Key Benefits

Educational

Provides a client-friendly description of BDD.

Supportive

Normalizes the experience of BDD and helps clients feel understood.

Insightful

Sheds light on factors that may be contributing to these difficulties.

Informative

Describes effective treatments for BDD.

Encouraging

Reassures clients and instills hope.

Who is this for?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Designed to help clients affected by BDD.

Integrating it into your practice

Review

Discuss the common symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder.

Scaffold

Help the client understand how their symptoms fit together and make sense.

Explore

Explore what might be maintaining the client's difficulties.

Highlight

Point out treatments that can be effective for addressing these issues.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychological condition characterized by a persistent preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one's physical appearance. These concerns often lead to significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. Research indicates that BDD is relatively common, affecting an estimated 1 to 3 out of every 100 individuals. The disorder can manifest through various behaviors, such as excessive grooming, seeking reassurance, or avoiding situations where one's appearance may be scrutinized.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has emerged as an effective treatment for BDD. This therapeutic approach aims to help individuals identify and challenge distorted thoughts about their appearance, develop healthier coping strategies, and reduce the compulsive behaviors associated with the disorder.

Understanding BDD is crucial for those affected, as well as for caregivers and mental health professionals, in order to facilitate appropriate intervention and support. The information handout What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)? serves as a resource to enhance awareness and understanding of these difficulties.

What's inside

An overview of body dysmorphic disorder.
Insights into why body dysmorphic disorder persists.
Instructions for using the resource with clients.
Key references for learning more about these difficulties.

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FAQs

BDD is characterized by intense distress and preoccupation with perceived defects in appearance, impacting daily life.

It provides insights into how people experience body dysmorphic disorder, why it persists, and how it can be addressed.

It can be used to signpost clients to relevant treatments at assessment or help clients understand how their symptoms fit together at the start of therapy.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

This resource enhances clinical outcomes by:

Providing a clear understanding and insight into body dysmorphic disorder.
Highlighting effective treatments for these issues.
Reassuring clients and fostering optimism.

References And Further Reading

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5Â®). American Psychiatric Publishing.

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 K. A. Phillips (Ed.), Body dysmorphic disorder: Advances in research and clinical practice (pp. 299-312). Oxford University Press.

Crerand, C. E., Sarwer, D. B., & Ryan, M. (2017). Cosmetic medical and surgical treatments and body dysmorphic disorder. In K. A. Phillips (Ed.), Body dysmorphic disorder: Advances in research and clinical practice (pp. 431-448). Oxford University Press.

Hartmann, A. S., Buhlmann, U., & Phillips, K. A. (2017). Prevalence and under-recognition of body dysmorphic disorder. In K. A. Phillips (Ed.), Body dysmorphic disorder: Advances in research and clinical practice (pp. 49-60). Oxford University Press.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2005). Obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder: Treatment. Retrieved from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg31

Veale, D., & Neziroglu, F. (2010). Body dysmorphic disorder: A treatment manual. John Wiley & Sons.

Wilhelm, S., Phillips, K. A., & Steketee, G. (2013). A cognitive-behavioral treatment manual for body dysmorphic disorder. Guilford Press.