Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Body Dysmorphic Disorder, or BDD, is when someone becomes very worried about a part of their appearance. These worries can feel intense and upsetting, and they can affect daily life, self-confidence, and social situations.

People with BDD might:

• Check or avoid mirrors
• Compare themselves to others
• Try to hide or fix the flaw
• Seek reassurance from friends or family

These behaviours may help for a short time but often keep the worry going.

CBT for BDD helps by:

• Challenging unhelpful thoughts about appearance
• Reducing checking, avoidance, and reassurance-seeking
• Helping you feel more confident and in control

CBT doesn’t focus on changing your appearance—it helps you feel better about yourself and manage distressing thoughts.

CBT for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

If you struggle with BDD, you might spend a lot of time worrying about a part of your appearance, checking mirrors, or avoiding social situations. CBT can help you feel more in control of these thoughts and behaviours.

How CBT Works:

• Understanding your thoughts: CBT helps you notice the thoughts and feelings that make appearance worries worse.
• Challenging unhelpful beliefs: You’ll learn to test whether your thoughts about your appearance are accurate or helpful.
• Changing behaviors: You’ll gradually reduce checking, reassurance-seeking, and avoidance, so your worry doesn’t control your life.
• Building self-worth: CBT helps you focus on your strengths and values, not just your appearance.

What You Can Expect

CBT doesn’t try to change how you look. Instead, it helps you feel less anxious, less ashamed, and more confident in yourself. Over time, many people find they worry less, spend less time checking or hiding, and can enjoy life more fully.