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Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Private Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) treatment, therapy and support in London at Schoen Clinic Chelsea
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition in which a person has an excessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw in their appearance.
This flaw is often minor or imagined, but the person with BDD may feel very ashamed or anxious about it. BDD can have a significant impact on a person's life, affecting their relationships, work, and social activities.
How is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) diagnosed?
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.
If you are struggling with BDD, please don't hesitate to reach out for help. We are here to support you on your journey to recovery.
If you're looking for BDD support, please reach out to our caring team in London today. We have appointments available in as little as 24 hours so you can begin treatment with minimal wait.
To access private treatment as swiftly as possible, simply fill out our online pre-screening questionnaire at any time to suit you.
Types of body dysmorphia therapy at Schoen Clinic Chelsea
We understand that seeking BDD therapy can be a daunting task, but we want to assure you that we are here to help you every step of the way. We will work with you to find the treatment that is right for you, and we will provide you with the support you need to recover from BDD.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we offer a variety of BDD therapy options, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). We also have a team of specialist Consultant Psychiatrists who can offer medication management services if applicable.
We understand that you may have concerns about seeking therapy, but we want to assure you that you're not alone. BDD therapy can be very effective in treating body dysmorphia, and we are confident that we can help you recover.
Does body dysmorphia therapy work?
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
What treatment options are there for body dysmorphia in London?
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.
Individual counselling and therapy
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we prioritise a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis to tailor therapies to your specific needs. Our therapists apply a range of well-established therapies that have shown remarkable success in the treatment of BDD.
One of the most effective therapies we offer is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is widely recognized as an effective approach to challenging negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with body image concerns. Our therapists work closely with you, providing guidance, support, and tools to help you navigate through challenging moments and develop healthier coping strategies.
Additionally, we offer Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, which involves gradually exposing you to situations that trigger distressing thoughts or behaviours related to your body image. Through this therapy, you will learn to resist engaging in the compulsive behaviours that worsen your BDD symptoms, ultimately enabling you to regain control over your thoughts and emotions.
Medication
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we understand that every individual's journey with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is unique, and we are committed to providing comprehensive and personalised care. That's why we offer a combined approach that combines medication with counselling and therapy to effectively manage BDD symptoms.
Medication can be a valuable component of the treatment plan for individuals with BDD. It can help alleviate the distressing symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, that often accompany the disorder. Our experienced Psychiatrists work closely with our therapists to carefully assess your needs and determine if medication is appropriate for you.
By combining medication with counselling and therapy, we aim to provide you with a holistic treatment plan that addresses both the emotional and biological aspects of BDD.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our multidisciplinary team works together to ensure that you receive the best care possible.
What are the risks and expected outcomes?
When it comes to BDD treatment, it is important to understand the risks and expected outcomes. Our team of dedicated therapists and experienced psychiatrists provide comprehensive and personalised care, ensuring your safety and wellbeing throughout the treatment process.
While BDD treatment can be highly effective, it is important to note that individual results may vary. It's fairly common to experience overwhelming emotions or feel distressed during the initial stages of counselling sessions, but this is normal as part of the treatment process.
Choosing Schoen Clinic Chelsea means choosing a team of experts who genuinely care about your wellbeing. Take the first step towards healing and self-acceptance by contacting us today.
Our mental health and wellbeing clinic in Chelsea clinic offers world-leading BDD counselling facilities
Our Chelsea clinic is a pioneer in offering exceptional therapy treatments for body dysmorphic disorder.
Our therapists, along with our state-of-the-art treatment and diagnostic rooms, contribute to the success and effectiveness of our BDD counselling facilities.
We prioritise your comfort and support throughout the treatment process. Our clinic offers a warm and welcoming environment where you can feel at ease and confident in seeking help.
We have a range of treatment rooms designed to provide a calming and therapeutic environment for those who require expert counselling and therapy for BDD.
Our communal day rooms were thoughtfully created to provide a relaxing and safe environment where patients can partake in therapeutic activities. We also have a separate art space for patients who want to take part in our creative arts groups. As part of your BDD treatment, you can express yourself artistically with the use of the tools, paints, supplies, and equipment in this room.
Meet our BDD specialists in London
Our multidisciplinary team has extensive expertise and a focus on treating body dysmorphic disorder, so you can be confident that you're in the best of hands. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you begin your journey to recovery. Years of counselling experience, specialised BDD therapy procedures, and tried-and-true treatment methodologies serve as their foundation.
Learn more about the team, or get in touch to book an appointment with your chosen specialist below.
