
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by the idea that aspects of one’s own body or appearance are severely flawed and that something significant needs to be done to either hide the flaws or to physically change them.
BDD tends to be classified in one of two types:
- Where the bodily flaws or delusional and not physically real, and
- In which the flaws are real wihin generally accepted norms.
Most sufferers perceive flaws in their hair, facial features or their skin.
Regardless of which type of body dysmorphic disorder is being experienced there is normally a high incidence of obsessive and intrusive thoughts about these flaws that lead to severe stress and anxiety and may make normal day-to-day functioning very difficult.
BDD affects males and females in roughly equal numbers but does tend to feature females more prominently in media stories about this problem.
Like many of the mental health disorders, body dysmorphic disorder has been categorised as being due to faulty underlying neurobiology however, despite years of biological research, no conclusive evidence for biological malfunction has been identified.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms
The main symptoms associated with Body Dysmorphic Disorder frequently include:
- A severe dislike of some aspect of one’s appearance.
- Depression.
- Social anxiety and avoidance.
- Paranoia that others are referencing or pointing out the flaws.
- Frequent checking of one’s appearance.
- Constant seeking of external approval and validation.
- Skin picking or other attempts ot make physical changes to the flaws.
- Other OCD related thoughts or behaviours.
- Obsessive dieting or exercising.
BDD sufferers will often present for corrective cosmetic surgery and in those cases in which the flaws are largely delusional, no relief from the emotional distress is obtained often leading to a cycle in which more and more cosmetic modification is sought out.
Most cases of body dysmorphic disorder can be helped with psychotherapy, particularly CBT which directly addresses the distorted cognition associated with BDD.

Diagnosis of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Technically, only a psychiatrist can diagnose a Body Dysmorphic Disorder, but in the UK general practitioners have tended to diagnose mental health problems by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The DSM lists specific symptoms against a range of disorders and whenever a person meets this criteria, they are said to be suffering from that disorder.
Diagnostic procedures do NOT make use of medical testing (for example blood tests) in order to produce a diagnosis, but rather is an opinion based on the observation of certain behaviours in the person who is suffering.
Because of this lack of verifiable medical testing, diagnosis remains a controversial subject, particularly within the psychological (non-medical) community.
However, in the UK access to support services is often contingent on receiving a diagnosis, so in this sense, a formal diagnosis may be useful.
Getting a Mental Health Diagnosis
Please be aware that Lee Psychology do not diagnose mental health disorders.
Our psychological counselling services do not require you to have been formally diagnosed but should you wish to obtain a formal mental health diagnosis, then please contact your GP who can arrange it for you.

Counselling for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
We offer a number of different types of therapy and counselling for Body Dysmorphic Disorder and related problems.
Choosing the most suitable therapy depends on a number of different considerations including factors such as:
- How long you have had the problem.
- Your personal preferences.
- How your problem is affecting you today.
You can read more about the different types of therapy for anxiety on the following links:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- The CORE programme for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Counselling for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Although all therapies use slightly different approaches, the one thing they all have in common is the relationship that is formed between the client and therapist.
Research suggests that this therapy relationship may be the most important factor in achieving a good therapy outcome.
Psychiatry Through the Looking Glass
Read what the World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) and the United Nations (U.N.) said recently about the biomedical models of mental illness on Psychology Today.

Arrange a FREE initial consultation
If you’d like to find out more about overcoming or recovering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder then why not arrange a free initial consultation with us.
During this consultation we will discuss your particular problems and the potential solutions in a safe and confidential environment without you having to commit to any therapy or counselling going forward.
This consultation lasts around 50 minutes and is a great opportunity to meet our therapists and decide if you would like to proceed with any support.
What to have a chat about your problem?
We offer a FREE 50 minute initial consultation to all prospective clients.
Call Paul on 07434 776125 - paul@leepsychology.com
Call Joan on 07434 776504 -Â joan@leepsychology.com
Common Mental Disorders
- Antisocial Personality Disorder
- Avoidant Personality Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Dependent Personality Disorder
- Depersonalisation Disorder
- Dissociative Identity Disorder
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Prolonged Grief Disorder
- Separation Anxiety Disorder