Body Dysmorphia

Many people can have a poor body image, seeing their general physical appearance in a negative light (e.g., “I hate my body”). However, the term Body Dysmorphic Disorder, or BDD, is used to describe a particular more specific type of body image problem. BDD is marked by an intense preoccupation with a perceived flaw in one’s physical appearance. Individuals with BDD often spend significant periods of time worrying about and evaluating a particular aspect of their appearance. Large amounts of time may be spent checking their appearance in the mirror, comparing their appearance with others, and engaging in behaviours designed to try to hide or conceal the area of concern.

Overcoming Body Dysmorphia: This information package is designed to provide you with some information about body dysmorphic disorder - how it develops, how it is maintained and how to address this problem. It is organised into modules that are designed to be worked through in sequence. We recommend that you complete one module before moving onto the next. Each module contains information, worksheets, and suggested exercises or activities.

Module 1: Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder

This module provides some general information about body image and Body Dysmorphic Disorder, considers how this problem might develop, and discusses some of the negative consequences of the disorder.

Module 2: What keeps BDD going?

This module considers how past experiences may be affecting you in the present, and explores how BDD may be maintained in the longer term.

Module 3: Reducing Appearance Preoccupation

This module explores ways you can start to decrease the amount of time spent focused on your appearance, and thus start to break the vicious cycle of BDD.

Module 4: Reducing Checking & Reassurance Seeking

This module explores the different ways people check and seek reassurance regarding their appearance, discusses the difference between helpful and unhelpful checking, and introduces strategies to reduce or eliminate these behaviours.

Module 5: Overcoming Negative Predictions, Avoidance & Safety Behaviours

This module introduces strategies to challenge and experiment with negative predictions, and to reduce the anxiety, avoidance and safety behaviours often associated with this type of thinking.

Module 6: Adjusting Appearance Assumptions

In this module we will focus on challenging the unhelpful rules and assumptions that can keep you caught in the vicious cycle of BDD.

Module 7: Self-Management Planning

This final module brings all the concepts of this information package together, presents a new model for you to operate by, and includes a self-management plan to help you to stay on track in the future.

Download the entire workbook

Click the link above to download all modules in this workbook at once, as a zip file.

We have a range of other resources which you may find helpful. 
  • If your appearance concerns lead you to change your diet or exercise, you may find our disordered eating resources helpful. 
  • People with body dysmorphia tend to view themselves in a negative light overall. Our resources for improving self-esteem can be helpful for this. 

Last Updated: 16/12/2019

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