BDD involves an excessive concern about or preoccupation with a perceived defect or flaw in one’s physical appearance. All parts of the body are susceptible, but common sites include the face, hair, and legs. In order to relieve their distress, individuals with BDD typically engage in certain safety or compulsive behaviors such as body camouflaging with make-up or extra clothes, excessive mirror checking, reassurance seeking from loved ones, researching how to correct the perceived defect, avoiding social/public gatherings and, in extreme cases, having “corrective” surgery.
CBT, involving Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) has been proven effective in treating BDD. Including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for those who have difficulty engaging in ERP may also be helpful.
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