- Calls to this hotline are currently being directed to Within Health, Fay or Eating Disorder Solutions
- Representatives are standing by 24/7 to help answer your questions
- All calls are confidential and HIPAA compliant
- There is no obligation or cost to call
- Eating Disorder Hope does not receive any commissions or fees dependent upon which provider you select
- Additional treatment providers are located on our directory or samhsa.gov
Effective Treatments for Body Dysmorphia Disorders
Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED) are pretty well-known mental health conditions, but there are a number of lesser-known disorders that may also play a role in unhealthy eating habits.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is one of these conditions, contributing to a near-obsessive and negative view of one’s appearance, which may drive eating disorder behavior or related issues.
Thankfully, there are a number of treatments for body dysmorphic disorder, and a full recovery from the condition is possible.
What are Body Dysmorphia Disorders?
While body dysmorphic disorder is frequently tied to disordered eating behaviors, the mental health condition is not considered an eating disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Rather, it’s classified as an obsessive-compulsive condition closely related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). [1] That’s because the mental illness hinges on an intense preoccupation with something—in this case, aspects of one’s appearance.
Though many people harbor hang-ups about the way they look, those with BDD will fixate on certain details (whether real, exaggerated, or imagined) to the point of experiencing significant distress or trouble functioning in their day-to-day lives.
They’ll also experience compulsions—or specific, repeated behaviors—in response to these intrusive thoughts. [1]Body dysmorphia is a catch-all term for the condition, though there are some specific manifestations of BDD, including muscle dysmorphia, where someone fixates on the size of their muscles or overall physique. [1]
Types of Body Dysmorphia Treatment
Treatment for body dysmorphia is often comprehensive, involving different approaches to alleviate mental, physical, and emotional health concerns. Among the evidence-based treatments which have been tested for BDD, a few have been found particularly effective.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the leading psychiatric treatment for body dysmorphic disorder and a number of other eating disorders and mental health concerns. [2]
The method works to change disordered behaviors by targeting—and changing—disordered thoughts. Through a pre-set course of sessions, patients are taught how to recognize their own unhelpful thoughts and behavioral patterns and given new, healthier strategies to replace these mechanisms.
When treating BDD symptoms, cognitive behavioral therapy may involve gradual and guided exposure to triggers, mindfulness practices, and other strategies to broaden a patient’s perspective and help move them away from their fixation. [2]
Acceptance Commitment Therapy
Acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) is another helpful psychiatric treatment for body dysmorphia. The method has goals similar to CBT and uses a similar approach to create change, though ACT focuses more on fostering a sense of self-acceptance.
While less studied than CBT on patients with body dysmorphia, ACT may be a preferred method in cases where patients demonstrate avoidance tendencies. That’s because its emphasis on acceptance directly confronts an avoidant outlook. [2]
Studies are rare, but one showed that patients with body dysmorphic disorder treated with acceptance commitment therapy saw a significant reduction in disordered thoughts and behaviors after finishing treatment. [2]
Medication
In some cases, medication may also be recommended as body dysmorphia treatment. Many institutions will not use medication as a first-line treatment but use it alongside psychotherapy or to treat symptoms related to BDD, such as depression and anxiety.
A group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been found particularly effective for treating BDD symptoms. [2]
The drugs work by blocking the brain from absorbing the hormone serotonin, which helps regulate mood, among other traits. This makes more serotonin available in the brain to help facilitate emotional regulation. [3]
SSRIs may help treat body dysmorphic disorder itself and work as a form of relapse prevention after treatment, though medication of any type should only be taken under the recommendation and instructions of a mental health professional licensed to prescribe these drugs. [2]
Support Groups
Support groups are also not a first-line approach to body dysmorphia treatment, but many people find them helpful both during and after treatment.
Groups are made up of other people struggling with BDD or similar conditions. The goal is to create a safe space where participants can share stories of progress or find support in more difficult times.
Support groups can help empower patients by broadening their perspective, showing them they’re not struggling alone, and giving them a platform to share their experiences, meet new friends, and practice new coping strategies. Many times, these groups can also be accessed without having to go through a mental health provider.
Hospitalization
In severe cases of body dysmorphic disorder, a patient may require more extensive treatment. This can include hospitalization if it’s determined that the patient is in a state of mental or physical crisis.
Hospitalization involves temporarily staying at a hospital, where a patient can receive 24-hour care and medical monitoring. Once discharged, many patients choose to enter an inpatient program, which involves temporarily living at a treatment center, where they may participate in various types of care daily.
Hospitalization is generally reserved for the most extreme cases, however it remains a viable option for those who need it.
Finding Help for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder can be a debilitating condition, and many people struggle to admit they’re having trouble. However, finding appropriate care is important for reaching full recovery.
If you or a loved one are struggling with body dysmorphia, it’s time to seek out help.
Speak With a Treatment Program
About Our Number
- Calls to this hotline are currently being directed to Within Health, Fay or Eating Disorder Solutions
- Representatives are standing by 24/7 to help answer your questions
- All calls are confidential and HIPAA compliant
- There is no obligation or cost to call
- Eating Disorder Hope does not receive any commissions or fees dependent upon which provider you select
- Additional treatment providers are located on our directory or samhsa.gov
Consulting your primary care physician or therapist is an excellent first step. These professionals can make an official diagnosis and point you in the best direction for treatment. Once you have body dysmorphic disorder diagnosed, it’s possible to enter into various treatment programs and start the recovery journey in earnest.
Dealing with such an emotional, intensive condition can feel exhausting or overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that help—and a better future—is always possible.
Resources
- DSM-IV to DSM-5 Body Dysmorphic Disorder Comparison. (2016). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Accessed August 2024.
- Hong K, Nezgovorova V, & Hollander E. (2018). New perspectives in the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder. F1000Research; 7:361.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). (n.d.) Mayo Clinic. Accessed August 2024.
Published September 4, 2024
