Our recovery programs in Philadelphia were created to help individuals heal from many types of physical and behavioral health conditions, including eating disorders. One of the disorders treated at our center for eating disorder management is body dysmorphic disorder. Treatment is highly advised and encouraged for individuals with BDD or other similar conditions to increase the likelihood of long-term recovery. If you’re searching for treatment for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), we’re here to help.

What Does Body Dysmorphia Look Like?

Body dysmorphia or body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by obsessive thinking about one or more perceived flaws. People with this condition tend to exaggerate the extent of a perceived flaw in their minds even though it may not be noticeable to others. 

People with BDD may compulsively check their perceived flaws and try to cover them up. Although eating disorders are generally more common among women, body dysmorphia can affect anyone and usually begins in adolescence.

Common body dysmorphic disorder symptoms include:

• Thinking about the perceived flaw for hours every day
• Worrying about their failure to match the perceived physical perfection of models and/or celebrities or society’s standards
• Distress about their preoccupation with their perceived flaws
• Constantly asked trusted friends or family members for reassurance about looks, but doubting their answers
• Obsessively looking at their reflection or going to great lengths to avoid catching their reflection (covering up mirrors or throwing them away) 
• Constant dieting and exercise to maintain a certain body weight and shape
• Excessive grooming (shaving the same patch of skin over and over again)
• Squeezing or picking at skin blemishes for hours
• Wanting dermatological treatment or cosmetic surgery, even when professionals don’t believe it is necessary
• Undergoing multiple surgeries or procedures in the same area or part of the body

The most common areas of concern for people with body dysmorphia include:

• Facial Skin
• Face (shape of the eyes, nose, ears, lips)
• Shape and size of virtually any body part (buttocks, thighs, abdomen, legs, breast, etc.) 
• Overall shape and size of body
• Symmetry of the body or body parts

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia

If you have a loved one in need of treatment for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and are concerned for them, our center for eating disorders offers various recovery resources that can help. The best way to help a loved one heal from their eating disorder and develop a healthier way of living is to recommend professional treatment where they can learn body dysmorphia coping strategies. 

Our eating disorder treatment in Philadelphia for BDD includes a variety of modalities that target the source of patients’ conditions for an in-depth recovery. These methods include: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Individual BDD counseling
• Group therapy sessions
• Nutritional counseling
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapy
• & More

 

We believe that body dysmorphia treatment should address any negative thinking or mental health problems that are contributing to the person’s behaviors and disorders to establish a strong foundation for lasting recovery. We believe in educating our patients about their conditions so they understand the importance of treatment and encourage them to stay motivated during this process. 

We also offer family therapy to include the spouses, family members, and close friends of our patients so they can recover from the impact their loved one’s condition has had on them. We also believe family support is crucial to the recovery process, which is why we encourage family and spouses to play an active role in their loved one’s program.

Contact Us Today

If you or someone you care about has body dysmorphia or any other eating disorder, don’t wait a moment longer to seek out care. Contact Banyan Treatment Centers today to learn more about our treatment for body dysmorphia as well as our other levels of eating disorder support in Philadelphia.

Related Readings:
Can Eating Disorders Be Cured?
Do I Have Binge Eating Disorder?