It is a psychological disorder characterised by an obsessive fixation on perceived imperfections in one’s appearance. Unlike ordinary body dissatisfaction, which is prevalent, BDD entails an extreme and persistent focus that interferes with daily life and mental health.

Imagine waking up every day feeling terrified to look in the mirror. This, of course, isn’t an infrequent concern about appearance for those with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)—it’s a crippling fixation that dictates their lives. Whereas most of us have passing insecurities, with BDD, those worries rise to a level that makes functioning, relationships and self-esteem untenable.

Causes and Risk Factors on Body Dysmorphic Disorder Comorbidity

BDD is believed to originate from a combination of genetic, environmental and societal factors:

Biological predisposition : a preponderance of studies propose that disbalances in serotonin and brain circuitry related to self-perception contribute to BDD (Veale, 2004).

Environmental Influences: Cases of bullying, trauma, and unrealistic societal beauty standards play a role in this disorder. Indeed, social media and its obsession with perfection have contributed to the growing occurrence of BDD in young people.

Social Norms and Cultural Standards: In cultures with a heavy emphasis on looks and body image, those susceptible to BDD may feel a societal pressure to conform, which helps precipitate the disorder.

Symptoms of BDD

People with BDD often have:

Obsessive Behaviours: Repeated mirror checks, exaggeration of confirmation or hiding flaws with make-up or fashion.

Avoidance: Avoiding social situations from fear of judgment.

Emotional Distress: Feelings of shame, anxiety or depression about one’s appearance.

Physical Risks: Seeking unnecessary cosmetic treatments, which are rarely fulfilling and typically exacerbate symptoms.

Impact on Life on Body Dysmorphic Disorder

BDD impacts every area of life, from relationships to education and career. It can result in loneliness, financial pressure (from spending too much on beauty products or cosmetic surgeries), and an elevated risk of self-harm and suicide.

You can shed the shackles of BDD and remember your identity outside of how you look. Therapy, holistic modalities, and peer support can help people heal. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), in particular, is effective in challenging distorted beliefs related to appearance. Mindfulness and self-compassion exercises can restore a healthy relationship with oneself, reminding one to value inner strengths instead of focusing on perceived imperfections.

Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder Comorbidity (BDD)

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Addresses and corrects misguided assumptions about appearance and decreases compulsive behaviours.

Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed to help manage symptoms.

Support Groups: Sharing a struggle with someone else can bring understanding and relief to emotions.

Holistic Practices for BDD

A holistic approach treats more than just the symptoms by addressing the underlying emotional, mental, and physical facets of BDD:

Mindfulness and Meditation for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Mindfulness is especially beneficial for individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder Comorbidity because it encourages acceptance rather than judgment of our thoughts and feelings. Practices like guided meditation, progressive muscle relaxation and mindful breathing can lower anxiety and obsessive thinking about perceived flaws.

Body Scan Meditation: This method encourages a new perspective on the body that makes you thankful for what it does rather than how it looks.

Mindful observation: By intentionally noticing (without attaching judgment) the thoughts that enter your mind, you will become aware of the story you’re telling yourself; this can help you recognise your triggers and reframe negative self-talk.

More than one study shows mindfulness reduces the strength of intrusive thoughts and enhances emotional regulation (Keng et al., 2011).

Yoga

Yoga is the union of physical movements, breathwork, and meditation, leading to a strong mind-body connection.

Benefits for BDD: Increased awareness of suffering, increased self-compassion, decreased stress.

Some Specific Poses: Poses such as the Warrior Pose and the Child’s Pose work would ground the individual while also helping to reduce anxiety.

According to a study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, yoga also helps improve body image and reduce negative self-perception.

Other self help activities

Writing about emotions and experiences allows people to process feelings and see patterns in their thought processes.

Gratitude Journals: Focusing on the positive or what we do well, shifting the focus from our external selves to our internal selves helps everyone

Trigger Logs: Recording what situations worsen BDD symptoms can help with planning and coping.

This exercise encourages emotion. In addition, it can be a complementary element that combines therapy for depression.

Art Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Painting, drawing or sculpting — any creative outlet can be a way to express feelings of self-image without words.

Symbolic Representation: Art can assist in understanding our inner struggles.

Shift in Focus: The creative process redirects focus from appearance-based obsessions to focus on personal expression.

Research published in the Art Therapy Journal of the American Art Therapy Association shows that it can enhance self-esteem and decrease stress.

Nature Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Spending time outdoors is associated with less stress and better mental health.

Eco-Therapy Practices: Natural activities like forest bathing, hiking, or gardening promote mindfulness and connection with the environment.

Benefits for Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Nature therapy helps soothe these feelings by providing a calming environment which opposes the high-alert state in which many of us find ourselves with BDD.

Physical Activity for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Engaging in fun, regular movement encourages gratitude for what the body can do vs. what it looks like.

These are all things that encourage self-expression and working with others and the human body through sports, which you can do with a group or by dancing.

Endorphin Production: Working out triggers the release of endorphins that can alleviate the common depressive symptoms accompanying BDD.

Intuitive Eating

Intuitive eating reduces the pressure to eat according to restrictive or emotional patterns and encourages people to pay attention to their body’s signals for hunger and fullness.

This practice is about honouring the body rather than using it to manage the perception of beauty.

Eat Slowly: It can help you change your way of putting food into your body to be more mindful and self-care-driven.

For example, research published in the Journal of Studies in Eating Behaviors points to how intuitive eating can boost self-esteem and promote body satisfaction.

Social Connection and Support

Holistic healing is also about nurturing purposeful relationships and creating a feeling of belonging.

Peer Support Groups: Sharing common experiences with others dealing with the same issues normalises feelings and offers validation.

Creating a Circle of Care: Empathic listening from family and friends builds a safety net for healing.

Therapeutic Bodywork

Other alternative practices, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and reiki, help restore physical and emotional imbalances.

Massage Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder: 

Promotes relaxation, lowers stress levels, and develops a healthy relationship with the body.

Acupuncture: Restores the flow of your energy and decreases the symptoms of anxiety caused by BDD.

Spiritual Practices for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

For those willing to consider spirituality, prayer, contemplation, or asking what purpose means in the face of suffering can provide comfort and a sense of purpose.

Your Spiritual Journey: Establishing spiritual practices enables you to move away from seeking external approval and cultivate inner peace.

Shift In Perspective via Gratitude Activities

Gratitude is often used with holistic approaches to reframe negative thinking.

Daily Affirmations: “I am more than my appearance” is an example of an affirmation that reprograms negative thoughts about yourself.

Encouraging Strengths: Emphasising kindness, intelligence, and resilience encourages self-love.

Technology Detox for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Spend less time on social media and avoid apps with beauty filters, which will help you reduce comparisons and strengthen your personal integrity.

Censors: Well-researched limits on stir-crazy screen time and a curated body-positive feed can fight unrealistic beauty standards.

Defying the Stigma of BDD

Stigma is one of the main barriers deterring people from asking for help for BDD. Education and awareness campaigns are vital to normalising BDD and for people to reach out and get help.

BDD is a difficult illness to cope with, but it is treatable. Through professional guidance, holistic strategies, and community support, people can heal, reclaim their lives, and lay the foundation for a kinder relationship with their bodies. There are organisations such as Mind UK and the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation which have useful resources for those struggling with BDD.

References

Veale, D. (2004). “Progress in a cognitive behavioural model of body dysmorphic disorder.” Body Image, 1(1), 113–125.

Tiggemann, M., & Anderberg, I. (2020). “Social media is not real life: The effect of Instagram vs. reality images on women’s social comparison and body image.” Body Image.

Mind UK. (n.d.). “Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder.” Retrieved from Mind. Org. UK

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation www.bddfoundation.org.uk (n.d.). “Heavy light BDD.” Retrieved from bddfoundation. org