Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that assists you in recognizing and managing your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It has become widely used for treating issues such as depression, anxiety and body image concerns. The main purpose of CBT is to challenge negative and often unrealistic thinking patterns which dampen emotions and mood. CBT can be effective both online and face-to-face; in fact it may even be the first treatment option you receive before medication.
BDD (borderline personality disorder) is a mental health condition that can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms are mostly focused on an perceived flaw in someone’s appearance and can be highly intrusive, leading to significant distress and disruption of daily life. Furthermore, it has been known to cause significant social, occupational, and emotional impairment as well.
Women are more likely to develop this disorder than men and it usually begins during adolescence. Individuals with the disorder tend to be extremely self-conscious and socializing can be difficult, often having trouble making friends, being selective when selecting friends, and experiencing various symptoms such as obsessions, compulsive behaviors, excessive grooming habits or feeling watched over.
No specific cause exists for this condition, but several factors can contribute to its development. These include having a poor body image, disliking one’s appearance or having experienced trauma when younger.
According to estimates in the United States, approximately 1.5% of adults and 2.2% of children suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). These individuals can experience intense reactions to even minor physical flaws, leading to feelings of intense frustration and distress.
Body dysmorphic disorder remains under-researched in mental health research, and as a result goes largely undetected and untreated. Not only does it pose an increased risk for suicide attempts, but its symptoms also have significant negative impacts on one’s self-esteem and general psychological well-being.
Many individuals with the disorder do not seek treatment, often out of shame or stigma. They may try unhelpful cosmetic or dermatological procedures as a means of improving their physical appearance, which often does more harm than good.
Research suggests a combination of psychotherapy and medications is the most successful treatment for body dysmorphic disorder. These include cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medicines like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which may help alleviate some symptoms associated with this disorder.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based, structured approach to helping you alter your thoughts and feelings regarding body image. It utilizes various techniques like thought records and exposure activities in order to break away from negative or inaccurate thinking patterns.
The therapist may suggest you write down your thoughts and beliefs in order to assess them logically. While this can be a challenging task, it is essential for your growth.
Your therapist may employ motivational interviewing, which is an approach designed to involve patients in the change process. This technique may be especially helpful for individuals who hold strong delusional or unrealistic appearance beliefs that may be difficult to challenge through cognitive therapy alone.