Online Body Dysmorphic Disorder Therapy
Body dysmorphic disorder therapy is a specialized psychological treatment designed to help individuals struggling with distorted body image. If you or someone you know is battling persistent worries about perceived flaws in appearance, understanding body dysmorphia is the first step to recovery.
Table of Contents
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a person becomes excessively concerned about one or more perceived flaws in their appearance—flaws that are often unnoticeable to others.
Dysmorphia Meaning
“Dysmorphia” refers to a distorted perception of one’s body or facial features. It can impact mental health, self-esteem, and daily functioning.
BDD Disease: The Basics
BDD is more than just feeling insecure. It’s a psychiatric disorder with significant emotional, social, and physical consequences.
Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Understanding the signs of BDD can help in early diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Excessive grooming or mirror checking
- Avoiding mirrors entirely
- Comparing appearance with others constantly
- Seeking reassurance about looks
- Belief that others notice and judge appearance flaws
Muscle Dysmorphia and Bigorexia
Muscle dysmorphia (also called bigorexia) is a subtype of BDD where a person is obsessed with not being muscular enough.
Key Concepts:
Bigorexia muscle dysmorphia: Obsession with muscle size
Muscle dysmorphia and Muscle dysmorphic disorder
More common in male dysmorphia or body dysmorphia men cases
Causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Is Body Dysmorphia Genetic?
BDD can have genetic links but may also stem from environmental, psychological, and societal factors like bullying, trauma, or unrealistic beauty standards.
Diagnosis and Tests
If you’re asking yourself:
“How do I know if I have BDD?”
“Have I got body dysmorphia?”
“Do I have dysmorphia?”
You might benefit from a professional evaluation.
Diagnostic Tools
Initial assessment is typically done by a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist through a clinical interview.
Professionals may use tools like the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ) or BDD-YBOCS (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for BDD).
These tests help identify thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to perceived flaws in appearance.
The Body Dysmorphic Disorder test, Dysmorphia test, or Body Disorder test screens whether you meet the criteria for BDD.
Diagnosis is based on guidelines from the DSM-5, ensuring clinical accuracy.
Online self-assessments can give initial insights but do not replace professional diagnosis.
Your GP may also check for related conditions like anxiety, depression, or OCD.
A proper diagnosis helps create a personalised treatment plan and improves access to targeted support.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Therapy Options
BDD is treatable with evidence-based psychological interventions.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals challenge negative thoughts about their appearance and build healthier coping strategies.
Medication
In some cases, antidepressants (like SSRIs) may be prescribed to help manage obsessive thoughts and anxiety.
Supportive Therapy
Includes mindfulness, self-compassion training, and psychoeducation.
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Body Dysmorphia in Australia
BDD is increasingly recognized in Australia, with growing access to psychologists and therapists who specialize in body image issues.
Public and private treatment options available
Body dysmorphia Australia services include online therapy
How to Know If You Have Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Self-Reflection Questions:
Do I constantly worry about how I look to others?
Do I avoid social events due to my appearance?
Do I feel anxious or depressed about my looks?
If you answer “yes” to several of these, consider seeking professional help.