CBT for Body Dysmorphic Disorder: What the Evidence Actually Shows

Published research and clinical guidance can inform discussion of adapted CBT for body dysmorphic concerns. Research findings may describe beliefs about appearance, checking, avoidance, attention and uncertainty, but they do not predict an individual pathway or outcome. Body dysmorphic concerns can involve intense preoccupation with an aspect of appearance, repeated comparison, mirror use or avoidance, camouflaging, reassurance seeking or withdrawal from ordinary activities. An online guide cannot determine whether someone has BDD, explain the cause of distress or decide what support is appropriate. A careful assessment can consider the person’s history, current impact, physical and mental health, safety, relationships and any other concerns. CBT literature may discuss attention, beliefs, checking, avoidance and behavioural experiments. This is educational context, not a set of exercises to carry out alone. Any behavioural work needs to be discussed with an appropriately qualified clinician and may need to take account of risk, trauma, safeguarding, medical needs and the person’s capacity at the time. It can be helpful to notice how much time appearance related worry takes, what tends to trigger it and whether it affects sleep, eating, work, study, relationships or basic routines. These observations are not a self diagnosis. They can make it easier to describe what is happening when speaking with a healthcare professional or clinician. The Lyceum provides CBT based support in West London and online where clinically appropriate. Published fees are £110 online and £140 face to face. You can ask about assessment, format, accessibility and current arrangements before deciding whether to enquire. If there are urgent safety concerns, severe deterioration or a risk of harm, use an appropriate emergency, crisis or healthcare service.