posted 27th September 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here we answer some of the most common questions people ask about Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), therapy, and recovery.
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a recognised mental health condition where a person becomes preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often small or not noticeable to others, but they cause significant distress and interfere with daily life.
What is the difference between body dysmorphic disorder, body dysmorphia, and low self-esteem about appearance?
The term Body Dysmorphic Disorder refers to the clinical diagnosis. “Body dysmorphia” is often used informally to describe appearance concerns, but not everyone who feels unhappy with how they look has BDD. Low self-esteem or dissatisfaction with appearance can be distressing, but BDD involves obsessive thinking, compulsive behaviours, and a serious impact on quality of life.
What symptoms or signs suggest I might have BDD?
Common signs include:
• Constant mirror checking or complete avoidance of mirrors.
• Comparing appearance with others.
• Excessive grooming, skin-picking, or camouflaging perceived flaws.
• Reassurance-seeking about appearance.
• Spending hours each day thinking about a perceived flaw.
• Distress that interferes with work, relationships, intimacy, or daily functioning.
When should I seek professional help?
If concerns about your appearance cause significant distress, take up much of your time, or stop you from living the life you want, it may be time to reach out. Urgent help should always be sought if you ever experience suicidal thoughts or feel unsafe.
Causes and Risk Factors
What are the causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
There isn’t a single cause. BDD is thought to develop from a mix of factors:
• Biological: differences in brain chemistry and structure, with possible links to neurodiversity.
• Genetic: family history of anxiety, OCD, or BDD.
• Psychological: perfectionism, low self-esteem.
• Environmental: bullying, teasing, trauma, or exposure to rigid beauty ideals, including social media.
Can children or teenagers develop BDD?
Yes. BDD often begins in teenage years, when self-image and peer comparison become more important. Some people report experiencing symptoms in childhood, especially those with a history of anxiety or trauma.
Are there subtypes of BDD?
Yes. While BDD can involve any body part, common subtypes include:
• Muscle dysmorphia – often in men, focused on feeling “too small” or “not muscular enough.”
• Concerns about skin, hair, nose, or weight.
Some people shift focus between different body parts over time.
Is BDD linked to OCD?
BDD and OCD share similarities, such as repetitive behaviours and intrusive thoughts. However, in BDD these behaviours are focused on appearance, whereas in OCD they often relate to fears of harm or contamination.
What conditions commonly occur alongside BDD?
Depression, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and substance misuse are all common co-occurring difficulties.
Treatment and Recovery
What treatments are effective for BDD?
The most evidence-based treatments include:
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), especially with exposure and response prevention (ERP).
• Medication, usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• Relational and alternative approaches: CBT and ERP can be helpful, but they don’t work for everyone. For many, especially those with complex trauma histories or low relational safety, these methods can feel too rigid, too fast, or too surface-level. At The BDD Clinic, we focus on a holistic approach which incorporates compassionate, relational therapy and sees recovery as a non-linear journey. We take into account the individual’s history and often support their family.
How long does treatment take?
Recovery is different for everyone. Some people notice improvements in weeks, others in months, and for some, therapy may last over years. Progress for people who have longstanding BDD is usually gradual, and ongoing support can help reduce the risk of relapse.
Can medication alone treat BDD?
Medication can reduce the intensity of obsessive thoughts and feelings, but therapy is usually needed to address underlying patterns and behaviours.
What if I strongly believe my perceived flaw is real?
Levels of insight vary. Even if you feel convinced your flaw is real, therapy may still help reduce distress and help you live more fully.
Does cosmetic surgery or dermatological treatment help BDD?
Research shows cosmetic or dermatological treatments rarely resolve BDD. They may bring temporary relief, but symptoms often return or shift elsewhere. Sometimes these treatments worsen distress, as they increase focus on the flaw. In some cases, when treatments go wrong, the impact can be devastating.
Can BDD be treated online or remotely?
Yes. Online therapy can be as effective as in-person work. At the BDD Clinic we offer secure online sessions to support people wherever they are including across the English speaking world.
Does BDD ever go away?
Many people experience significant relief from symptoms and maintain recovery with treatment. For some, BDD may remain a vulnerability, (particularly when the person is going through a difficult time, for example when under pressure such as exams, stress at work, relationship challenges, loss and even when the person is unwell), but with tools, insight and support BDD no longer has to control one’s life. At the BDD Clinic, we don't like the term 'relapse', often the reoccurance of symptoms can bring valuable insights.
What are the warning signs of relapse?
Increasing mirror use, reassurance seeking, social withdrawal, or rising distress over appearance can all be early signs. Having a relapse plan and ongoing support helps prevent setbacks.
Therapy at BDD Clinic
What can I expect in therapy sessions?
Our sessions are relational, collaborative, and supportive. We understand what it feels like to be the client and to have BDD. Together, we explore your experiences and gently make connections; helping you understand why these symptoms have developed. We don’t use rigid tick-boxes or one-size-fits-all plans. Instead, we work with your experience, your life story, and at your pace.
What can I do to prepare for my first session?
• Find a quiet, comfortable and confidential space where you won’t be interrupted.
• Give yourself a few minutes to settle before logging in.
• You don’t need to prepare anything in advance, just come as you are.
How should I choose a therapist or clinic for BDD?
It can help to ask:
• Do you have specific experience treating BDD?
• How many clients who have BDD have you worked with in recent years?
• Do you have lived experience of BDD or appearance anxiety?
• What approaches do you use?
• What happens if I am not well enough to attend sessions?
• Do you offer online as well as in-person therapy?
• How long do clients usually stay with you?
These are useful starting points, but just as important is whether the therapist feels like someone you can build trust with. Remember: you are never tied to a therapist. If therapy doesn’t feel supportive, you have the right to leave. You should never be forced to do tasks that feel overwhelming without clear explanation and consent.
Support and Self-Help
What can I do to support myself outside therapy?
Practical steps include:
• Practising mindfulness or grounding exercises.
• Limiting reassurance-seeking.
• Journaling thoughts and feelings.
• Building supportive routines with rest, nutrition, and exercise.
• At the BDD Clinic we help you to identify your own supportive resources.
How can I support a loved one with BDD?
Joining one of our parent or family groups or workshops is often a good place to start. In these sessions, we explore strategies for supporting a loved one while looking after your own wellbeing. Helpful approaches include:
• Listening without judgment.
• Managing reassurance seeking and giving behaviours
• Gently encouraging professional help.
• Maintaining a supportive calm home environment.
• Encouraging your loved one to follow professional advice.
• Support them with activities which are helpful for their recovery.
• Taking care of your own needs too.
• Educating the wider family about how to approach the situation.
Still Have Questions?
If your question isn’t answered here, please get in touch with us directly we’re here to help.