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Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a severe mental health condition in which individuals become excessively preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance. These perceived imperfections, often minor or imagined, can cause overwhelming distress and anxiety. People with BDD may avoid social situations, suffer from depression or anxiety, and find it difficult to maintain relationships and engage in everyday activities.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for body dysmorphic disorder. Our multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists specialise in helping individuals manage their symptoms through comprehensive and personalised care plans.
What are the signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
BDD is more than simple vanity or self-consciousness. Individuals with BDD may exhibit the following symptoms:
Preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws in physical appearance.
Frequently checking mirrors, excessive grooming, or comparing themselves to others.
Avoiding social situations due to shame or embarrassment about their appearance.
Repeatedly seeking reassurance from others about their appearance.
Engaging in behaviours such as skin-picking or excessive exercise to “fix” their perceived flaws.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these signs of body dysmorphia, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery.
Diagnosing Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we use a thorough assessment process to diagnose BDD. This includes understanding your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to your appearance, as well as any family history of mental health conditions. The diagnosis of BDD is made based on the following criteria:
Excessive concern over a perceived flaw in physical appearance.
Significant distress or disruption in daily functioning, such as work or social life.
The preoccupation with appearance is not due to concerns about body weight, such as in anorexia nervosa.
Once diagnosed, our team works closely with you to develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Get in touch today for highly specialised body dysmorphic disorder treatment in London
If you're looking for BDD support, please reach out to our caring team in London today. We have appointments available in as little as 24 hours so you can begin treatment with minimal wait.
To access private treatment as swiftly as possible, simply complete our Online Registration Form & Screening Questionnaire at any time to suit you.
How much does BDD treatment or therapy cost?
The cost of different types of treatment, therapy or support will vary. See our full breakdown of our prices and funding options for more information or specific costs.
How is Body Dysmorphic Disorder treated?
BDD treatment typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. BDD therapy can help you to understand your body dysmorphia and develop coping skills to manage your symptoms. Medication can help to reduce the anxiety and depression that often accompany BDD.
Therapy for Body Dysmorphia at Schoen Clinic Chelsea
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for BDD. At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, our therapists use CBT to help patients challenge their negative beliefs about their appearance and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
In addition to CBT, we also offer Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a therapy specifically designed to reduce compulsive behaviours such as mirror checking and skin-picking. ERP helps individuals gradually confront their fears and reduce anxiety related to their perceived appearance flaws.
For some patients, medication may be recommended alongside therapy to manage anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies that often accompany BDD. Our Consultant Psychiatrists will carefully assess whether medications such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) might benefit your treatment plan.
Types of Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treated at Schoen Clinic Chelsea
Muscle dysmorphia ("Bigorexia")
Individuals with muscle dysmorphia often believe they are too small or not muscular enough, despite having a well-developed physique. This preoccupation can lead to excessive exercise, strict dieting, and the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Our therapy addresses the underlying issues contributing to muscle dysmorphia, such as low self-esteem and anxiety.
Skin-picking disorder (Excoriation)
Some people with BDD are preoccupied with their skin’s appearance and may engage in skin-picking behaviours to “correct” perceived flaws. This can result in scars, infections, and other skin conditions. Our specialised therapy helps individuals manage these compulsive behaviours and reduce skin-picking.
Weight preoccupation
Individuals with weight preoccupation often believe they are too heavy, despite being at a healthy weight. This can lead to obsessive dieting and exercise. Our therapists work to help patients reframe their thoughts about their weight and develop a healthier relationship with their bodies.
Other appearance concerns
BDD can focus on a wide range of body parts, including the hair, nose, teeth, or overall face. Individuals may seek cosmetic procedures to “fix” these areas, but the underlying issues often remain untreated. At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we address the psychological factors driving these concerns, rather than recommending further cosmetic interventions.
Does body dysmorphia therapy Work?
Therapy, especially when combined with medication, can be highly effective in treating BDD. At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we provide evidence-based treatments like CBT and ERP, which are widely recognised for their success in managing BDD symptoms. Our approach also includes a comprehensive evaluation to ensure that your treatment plan addresses all underlying factors contributing to your condition.
BDD treatment at Schoen Clinic Chelsea
Our clinic in London provides private, specialist care for individuals struggling with body dysmorphic disorder. We offer the following services:
Individual counselling and therapy for body dysmorphia
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we prioritise a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis to tailor therapies to your specific needs. Our BDD therapists apply a range of well-established therapies that have shown remarkable success in BDD treatment.
Our expert therapists work with you to understand your specific needs and develop a personalised treatment plan. Therapy options include CBT, ERP, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you regain control of your thoughts and behaviours.
Medication management
Medication can be a valuable component of the treatment plan for individuals with BDD. For patients whose BDD is accompanied by anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, medication can play a key role in symptom management.
By combining medication with counselling and therapy, we aim to provide you with a holistic treatment plan that addresses both the emotional and biological aspects of BDD.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our Consultant Psychiatrists work with you to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for your situation.
What are the risks and expected outcomes?
When it comes to BDD treatment, it is important to understand the risks and expected outcomes. Our team of dedicated therapists and experienced psychiatrists provide comprehensive and personalised care, ensuring your safety and wellbeing throughout the treatment process.
While BDD treatment can be highly effective, it is important to note that individual results may vary. It's fairly common to experience overwhelming emotions or feel distressed during the initial stages of counselling sessions, but this is normal as part of the treatment process.
Choosing Schoen Clinic Chelsea means choosing a team of experts who genuinely care about your wellbeing. Take the first step towards healing and self-acceptance by contacting us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
BDD can be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Low self-esteem, traumatic experiences, and societal pressures regarding appearance may all contribute to the development of BDD.
Can BDD be treated without medication?
Yes, many individuals respond well to therapy alone. However, for those whose symptoms are more severe, combining therapy with medication often yields better results.
How much does BDD treatment cost?
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we offer a variety of pricing and funding options depending on the type of treatment you require. Please refer to our pricing guide or contact us for more detailed information.
Meet our BDD specialists in London
Our multidisciplinary team has extensive expertise and a focus on treating body dysmorphic disorder, so you can be confident that you're in the best of hands. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you begin your journey to recovery. Years of counselling experience, specialised BDD therapy procedures, and tried-and-true treatment methodologies serve as their foundation.
If you or a loved one is struggling with body dysmorphic disorder, don’t wait to seek help. Our caring team at Schoen Clinic Chelsea is here to guide you through the recovery process with compassion and expertise. We offer appointments in as little as 24 hours to ensure you can begin your journey toward better mental health as quickly as possible.
Learn more about the team, or get in touch to book an appointment with your chosen specialist below.
