Specialist Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Therapy in London

At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of BDD. We understand that BDD can be a very isolating and difficult condition to live with, and we are here to help you get the treatment you need.

The diagnosis of BDD is based on a thorough assessment of your symptoms and medical history. This assessment will include a discussion of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to your appearance. We will also ask you about your family history and any other medical conditions you may have.

The body dysmorphic disorder test: diagnosis of BDD is based on the following criteria:

• Preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others.
• The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
• The preoccupation is not better explained by concerns about body fat or weight in an individual with anorexia nervosa.
• The preoccupation is not due to another medical condition (e.g., a dermatological condition or a tumor) or another mental disorder.

After the assessment, we will discuss the results with you and make a diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder, we will discuss the best treatment for BDD suitable for your unique circumstances.

BDD treatment typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. BDD therapy can help you to understand your body dysmorphia and develop coping skills to manage your symptoms. Medication can help to reduce the anxiety and depression that often accompany BDD.

At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we most commonly treat four types of BDD:

• Body dysmorphic disorder with muscle dysmorphia: Also known as 'bigorexia' is characterised by a preoccupation with the size and shape of the body, particularly the muscles. People with muscle dysmorphia often believe that they are not muscular enough, even if they are very muscular.
• Body dysmorphic disorder with skin picking: Individuals have a preoccupation with the appearance of their skin, particularly on the face. People with skin picking disorder often pick at their skin, which can lead to scarring and other skin problems.
• Body dysmorphic disorder with weight preoccupation: People with weight preoccupation often believe that they are too heavy, even if they are at a healthy weight.
• Body dysmorphic disorder with other appearance concerns: This type of BDD is characterised by a preoccupation with the appearance of other parts of the body, such as the hair, nose, or teeth. People with other appearance concerns often believe that these parts of their body are not attractive or are flawed.

Our BDD specialists at Schoen Clinic Chelsea treat the specific causes of BDD, rather than the symptoms. This means that we work with each individual to understand the underlying factors that contribute to their BDD, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, or trauma. Once we understand these factors, we can develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual's needs.

At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we understand how important it is for individuals seeking body dysmorphic disorder counselling to find the right support and reassurance. We are here to help you on your journey towards positive change and self-acceptance.

When it comes to BDD treatment, our dedicated therapists apply a range of well-established and proven therapies. Our therapists are trained in evidence-based practices that have shown remarkable success in the treatment of BDD. We prioritise the importance of a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis, ensuring that our therapies are tailored to your specific needs.

Therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) are widely recognized as effective in the treatment of BDD. These approaches aim to challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with body image concerns. Our therapists will work closely with you, providing guidance, support, and tools to help you navigate through challenging moments and develop healthier coping strategies.

At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we believe that success is possible. We are committed to your wellbeing, and our proven methods, combined with your dedication and commitment, have the potential to bring about positive change.

At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we offer a range of evidence-based therapies to help you to feel better again.

Our clinical approach means that we treat your BDD with a combination of specialist BDD therapy and medication.

Getting to our clinic in Chelsea, West London is incredibly convenient. We are situated just a ten-minute walk away from Sloane Square and South Kensington underground stations, making it easy for visitors from all over London to reach us.

Sloane Square is served by the Circle and District Lines (Zone 1), while South Kensington is served by the Circle, Piccadilly, and District Lines. If you prefer to arrive by car, we are located off King's Road (A3217) on the left side of Radnor Walk.

Although we don't have on-site parking, there are plenty of spaces and car parks nearby. JustPark on Sydney Street and Sloane Square Car Park are two local options.

No matter where you're coming from in London or beyond, we are easily accessible, allowing you to focus on your recovery.