Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a type of anxiety disorder that affects a person’s body image. People with BDD have a distorted view of their appearance and often become preoccupied with certain aspects of their face or body that they believe are unattractive or abnormal. This disorder is not merely about vanity or self-obsession, it is a serious mental health condition. If you find yourself frequently comparing your looks to others, feeling distressed about a particular area of your body, or spending a lot of time trying to cover up what you perceive to be a flaw, you may be experiencing symptoms of BDD.
Other common symptoms of BDD include:
- Spending excessive time in front of mirrors or completely avoiding mirrorsÂ
- Feeling anxious among others and avoiding social situations
- Constantly comparing your appearance with others
- Trying to hide your body parts which you don’t like
- Seeking medical treatment for the perceived defect, such as cosmetic surgery
- Engaging in excessive diet and exercise
While BDD and OCD are different disorders, they share similarities in the compulsive behaviors they involve. BDD can also lead to depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of BDD, counselling can be highly effective in improving your self-esteem, overall well-being, and quality of life.
Which counselling can help?
- Acceptance and Commitment Counselling
- Schema Counselling
- Cognitive Analytic Counselling
- Cognitive Behavioral Counselling
Our team of expert psychologists at Hypoworry Online Counselling are highly skilled in providing these therapies to individuals who suffer from BDD.
