Young people are often concerned about aspects of their physical appearance but in Body Dysmorphic Disorder this becomes an extreme focus on flaws that others would not notice.
They may repeatedly check their appearance and attempt to cover it up or avoid mirrors completely.
Young people with BDD usually spend several hours per day completing BDD behaviours. BDD is related to obsessive compulsive disorder and occurs in one or two percent of young people but this is increasing. Sometimes BDD type concerns can be a symptom of an eating disorder.
BDD may be partly inherited and runs in some families. There may be a history of bullying or a trigger event which cause the young person to become concerned with an aspect of their appearance.
- Constantly checking yourself in the mirror or avoiding mirrors
- Trying to camouflage or hide a body part under clothing or make-up
- Feeling convinced that they look ugly or abnormal, despite others not seeing them this way
- Seeking frequent reassurance about your appearance from others
- Repetitive behaviours relating to BDD consume 3-8 hours per day.
Talking therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT) has been shown to improve symptoms of BDD in the majority of young people. CBT helps to identify the unhelpful appearance-related thoughts, develop more flexible beliefs, and develop strategies to help decrease avoidance behaviour and compulsive behaviours.
A group of medications called SSRIs may also be helpful to reduce severe symptoms of BDD, alongside talking therapy.
Further information and support is available on the BDD in Teens & Young Adults website.