Body Dysmorphic Disorder

At the Ottawa Centre for Cognitive Therapy (CCT), we understand that Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is more than just a fleeting concern about your appearance; it is a serious mental health condition that can deeply affect your quality of life. We’re here to help you or your loved ones navigate the challenges of BDD and find a path toward healing and self-acceptance.

What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

Also known as Body Dysmorphia, BDD makes you often worried about a perceived flaw in your appearance. This flaw is always unnoticeable to others, but you find it so bothersome that it gets in the way of your everyday life.

Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Living with body dysmorphic disorder can feel like there is little hope. You might always feel ashamed or as if you are not good enough. These feelings are common among people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder, but you should not blame yourself for how you feel. It’s necessary to understand that BDD is not just about vanity. It is a serious condition that can lead to isolation, anxiety, and depression.

It is worth noting that there is an overlap between BDD and eating disorders and can sometimes look similar. However, BDD is different from eating disorders. People with BDD are often more focused on specific body parts (like their nose or skin) and have a more intense level of frustration about how they look. The psychologists at CCT are highly trained to tell the difference between these conditions and can adjust treatment plans accordingly.

People with BDD often do things over and over, like checking themselves in the mirror or fixing their hair, in an attempt to try to feel better about their perceived flaw.

Common symptoms of BDD include:

• • • Excessive worry about a perceived physical flaw
    • Belief that the flaw is obvious to others
    • Repeatedly checking your appearance in mirrors or reflective surfaces
    • Comparing your appearance to others
    • Staying away from social situations
    • Skin picking or hair pulling
    • Excessive grooming or dieting
    • Seeking reassurance about your appearance
    • Undergoing unnecessary cosmetic procedures

BDD can impact many areas of your life, including your relationships, work, and school. It can also lead to other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. However, with the right support and treatment, you can manage BDD and improve your quality of life.

Causes and Risk Factors of Body Dysmorphia

Anyone can develop BDD, regardless of age, gender, or background. It is a complex condition that doesn’t have a single cause. Instead, it’s often a mix of factors which include:

• Genetics – You are more likely to have BDD if someone in your family has it or other mental health issues.
• Environment – Bullying or teasing can potentially contribute to your negative body image.
• Mental Health – Some conditions, like OCD or anxiety, can be linked to BDD.
• Culture – Societal pressures to look a certain way can play a role.

How We Treat Body Dysmorphia at the CCT

We believe in helping you build a healthier relationship with your body. Our approach uses cognitive therapy to challenge negative thoughts and behaviors related to body image.

Our matching process will connect you with a licensed and highly experienced therapist who can make you feel seen and understood. Together, you’ll create a personalized treatment plan to help you reach your goals.

Source: American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787