Las Vegas Body Dysmorphia Therapy
*Warning: This is not medical advice. Do not self-diagnose. If you are struggling with what you suspect is a mental health disorder, please contact a licensed mental health professional. If you are located in Nevada, you can schedule an appointment with us. If you are not located in Nevada, we recommend using Psychology Today and/or your insurance provider to find a qualified professional to help you.
Patient Guide to Body Dysmorphia Treatment
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What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder? (BDD)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health condition categorized under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the DSM-5-TR. People with BDD are preoccupied with perceived defects or flaws in their physical appearance—usually ones that are either not visible or appear minor to others. This preoccupation can be so intense that it interferes with daily functioning and causes significant psychological suffering.
Body dysmorphia most often focuses on areas like the skin, nose, hair, or body shape, though any body part can become the focus of concern. Individuals may spend hours each day checking mirrors, seeking reassurance, comparing themselves to others, or trying to “fix” the perceived flaw through makeup, clothing, or even cosmetic procedures.
BDD is not about low self-esteem or normal body image concerns—it’s a deeply distressing disorder with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. It often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or social withdrawal. Without treatment, body dysmorphia can lead to profound isolation and, in some cases, suicidal ideation.
Common Signs You or a Loved One Is Suffering from BDD
The signs of body dysmorphia go far beyond normal self-consciousness. Individuals with BDD may become consumed by a belief that something is wrong with their appearance—even when others see nothing unusual. Common signs include frequent mirror checking or avoidance, excessive grooming, and comparing oneself constantly to others.
Someone with body dysmorphia might avoid photos, refuse to go out in public, or spend a lot of time seeking reassurance about how they look. They may change clothes multiple times a day, use makeup to mask perceived flaws, or even seek unnecessary cosmetic surgery. Despite these efforts, they rarely feel any relief—in fact, the anxiety often worsens.
Other signs include:
Believing others are staring or making fun of one’s appearance
Frequently asking for validation, but never feeling reassured
Isolating from social activities or work due to appearance concerns
Experiencing high levels of distress when unable to “fix” or cover up flaws
In more severe cases, body dysmorphia can lead to depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. It’s important to understand that these behaviors aren’t about vanity—they stem from intense psychological pain and distorted self-perception.
BDD Symptom Checklist from American Psychiatric Association
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What Are the Most Effective Therapies for Body Dysmorphia?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Body Dysmorphia
CBT is the frontline treatment for body dysmorphia, with strong evidence supporting its effectiveness. This therapy focuses on challenging distorted beliefs about appearance and reducing the compulsive behaviors—like mirror checking or reassurance seeking—that maintain the cycle of anxiety and self-criticism.
CBT helps individuals recognize and reframe the automatic thoughts that drive appearance preoccupations. It also introduces exposure and response prevention (ERP) techniques, which involve gradually facing anxiety-provoking situations without engaging in rituals or avoidance behaviors. Over time, clients learn to tolerate distress and develop a healthier, more balanced relationship with their body image.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Body Dysmorphia
ACT helps individuals with body dysmorphia shift their focus away from controlling or fixing their appearance and toward living in alignment with their values. Rather than fighting painful thoughts or feelings, ACT teaches clients to accept them as part of the human experience—while still choosing behaviors that promote a meaningful life.
ACT uses mindfulness, cognitive defusion, and values-based goal setting to reduce the dominance of appearance-focused thinking. For clients whose preoccupations are tied to self-worth or perfectionism, ACT can offer a powerful, values-driven framework for healing.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Body Dysmorphia
Originally developed for emotion regulation difficulties, DBT has been increasingly adapted to support individuals with body dysmorphia—especially those who struggle with intense shame, self-criticism, or self-harming behaviors.
DBT teaches skills across four main areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These tools help individuals manage overwhelming emotions without resorting to compulsive rituals or appearance-focused coping strategies. For those whose body dysmorphia co-occurs with anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation, DBT provides a structured and supportive pathway toward emotional balance and self-acceptance.
Psychiatric Medication Options for Body Dymorphia
SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Escitalopram)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first-line pharmacological treatment for body dysmorphia, particularly when symptoms are severe or when therapy alone hasn’t brought sufficient relief. SSRIs help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors by regulating serotonin in the brain.
Fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro) have all been used to treat BDD, often at higher doses than those used for depression. These medications may take several weeks to begin working, but for many individuals, they significantly reduce distress and allow therapy to be more effective.
Clomipramine
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that has shown efficacy in treating obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, including BDD. While less commonly prescribed than SSRIs due to potential side effects, it may be an option for individuals who do not respond to first-line medications.
Lifestyle Changes That Support Body Dysmorphia Treatment
Although professional treatment is essential, certain lifestyle adjustments can support recovery and improve day-to-day well-being.
Limit Mirror Time and Social Media Exposure
Frequent mirror checking and endless scrolling through filtered images on social media can reinforce negative self-image. Limiting mirror use, unfollowing appearance-focused accounts, and taking breaks from comparison-heavy platforms can help reduce compulsive behaviors and support mental clarity.
Engage in Mindful Movement
Exercise can improve mood and body awareness—but for people with body dysmorphia, it’s important that movement is grounded in self-care, not punishment. Activities like yoga, walking, or dance can reconnect individuals with their bodies in a more compassionate and embodied way.
Practice Self-Compassion
Learning to speak to yourself with kindness instead of criticism is a foundational skill in recovery. Journaling, affirmations, and guided meditations for self-compassion can help shift the internal narrative from harsh judgment to gentle curiosity.
Build a Routine That Includes Rest and Connection
BDD thrives in isolation and emotional chaos. Structuring your day with nourishing habits—regular meals, rest, and meaningful social interaction—can reduce vulnerability to obsessive thinking and boost emotional resilience.
Find Creative and Emotional Outlets
Art, writing, music, or other creative practices can help externalize and process the emotions tied to body image. These outlets can offer relief, insight, and a renewed sense of identity beyond appearance.