What we treat
Body dysmorphia
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is the experience of excessive focus and worry about one or more perceived flaws in your appearance — a flaw that appears minor or can't be seen by others.
But you may feel so embarrassed, ashamed and anxious that you may avoid many social situations.
When you have BDD, you may repeatedly check the mirror, groom or seek reassurance, sometimes for many hours each day.
Your perceived flaw and the repetitive behaviours cause you significant distress, and impact your ability to function in your daily life.
Most people with BDD who receive therapy finish feeling better and more able to manage their symptoms.
Variations
The most common features people tend to fixate about include:
Face, such as nose, complexion, wrinkles, acne and other blemishes
Hair, such as appearance, thinning and baldness
Skin and vein appearance
Breast size
Muscle size and tone
Genitalia
A preoccupation with your body build being too small or not muscular enough (muscle dysmorphia) occurs almost exclusively in males.
Insight about BDD varies. You may recognise that your beliefs about your perceived flaws may be excessive or not be true, or think that they probably are true, or be absolutely convinced that they're true.
The more convinced you are of your beliefs, the more distress and disruption you may experience in your life.
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of BDD may include:
Being extremely preoccupied with a perceived flaw in appearance that to others can't be seen or appears minor
Strong belief that you have a defect in your appearance that makes you ugly or deformed
Belief that others take special notice of your appearance in a negative way or mock you
Engaging in behaviours aimed at fixing or hiding the perceived flaw that are difficult to resist or control, such as frequently checking the mirror, grooming or skin picking
Attempting to hide perceived flaws with styling, makeup or clothes
Constantly comparing your appearance with others
Frequently seeking reassurance about your appearance from others
Having perfectionist tendencies
Seeking cosmetic procedures with little satisfaction
Avoiding social situations
These symptoms may cause difficulties in day-to-day activities such as work, studying, social activities or relationships with others.
Other struggles
Read more about the other difficulties we treat:
Worrying lots about different things
Flashbacks or nightmares of a trauma
Obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviours
Talking therapy
If you could be struggling with BDD, read about the talking therapies we offer to see how they could help you. You may also like to read some feedback and encouragements by those who received therapy with us.
Self-help resources
Be sure to check out our useful section of self-help resources for wellbeing.
Employment advice
Alongside therapy our Employment Team can help you find employment or training, and support you with workplace adjustments or disputes.
Make the first step
We know the courage it takes to ask for help, and we hope you’ll consider therapy with us. Read more about what to expect if you refer.
Talking Therapies is for everyone aged sixteen or over, who live in Portsmouth and are registered with a GP in the city.
You can self-refer by calling us on 0300 123 3934 or by completing this secure form online.
Urgent help
Talking Therapies is not an emergency mental health service for people in crisis. Support is available from specialist services if urgent help is needed.