How to Treat Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness that involves obsessive preoccupation about imaginary or real physical defects. A person suffering from this disorder have persistent negative thoughts about her looks, even if she is endowed with great physical features. She often dislikes her appearance and constantly thinks that her face and body is disproportionate and unappealing. The impact of such exaggerated concerns is usually unbearable and can often lead to severe depression, obsessions about unnecessary medical procedures (cosmetic surgeries), anxiety, distress and social isolation. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications are considered effective treatments to help deal with multiple issues experienced by BDD patients.

Instructions

• 1

  Set a date for your psychotherapy session. This type of one on one counseling will help improve your mental functions when you are suffering from BDD. Here, you will be treated using cognitive interventions. Your therapist will train your mind on how to properly deal with your irrational thoughts, helping you change your negative thinking into healthy and positive ones.

• 2

  Be determined to improve your behavior. Behavioral interventions usually go hand in hand with cognitive treatment (cognitive-behavioral therapy). This intervention involve different strategies to specifically address and minimize your compulsions. Such activities include gradual exposure to things you tend to avoid (such as social situations and mirrors) slowly reducing your anxiety and preventing ritualistic behavior. You learn to look at your body image in a holistic way and evaluate it fairly and positively. You will learn to train your mental and behavioral status back to its proper concentration through setting up goals and achieving them.

• 3

  Take medication. Insufficient amount of a neurotransmitter called serotonin is considered to be one of the causes that can lead to BDD. To help maintain chemical balance in your brain, taking antidepressants known as selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may help in alleviating your BDD symptoms, specifically your obsessive and compulsive behaviors. Examples of SSRIs are sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac).

• 4

  Allow your family members to understand your disorder. Letting your family members know about your BDD is vital for your recovery. It is best to make them participate with your therapy sessions so that they can fully understand what BDD is all about. Their support will help you with your battle, will make you appreciate your body image and love your self even more.