BDD is a mental health condition where someone becomes preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance, which are often minor or unnoticeable to others. This preoccupation can lead to obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

Obsessive thoughts are intrusive, unwanted ideas or worries that a person feels unable to control. In body dysmorphia, these thoughts often focus on appearance and can consume hours each day.

Compulsive behaviors are repetitive actions performed to reduce distress from obsessive thoughts. For BDD, these might include mirror checking, skin picking, or excessive grooming.

Mirror checking is repeatedly looking at oneself in a mirror or reflective surface to inspect or “fix” perceived flaws. While it may temporarily relieve anxiety, it reinforces the cycle of body dysmorphia.

Camouflaging means hiding or covering up perceived flaws with makeup, clothing, hairstyles, or even posture. This behavior often stems from shame and fear of being judged by others.

Social avoidance occurs when someone withdraws from social activities out of fear that others will notice or judge their appearance. This isolation can worsen feelings of depression and anxiety.

CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps people identify and change distorted thoughts. In BDD treatment, CBT focuses on reducing obsessive thinking and building healthier self-perceptions.

ERP is a behavioral therapy that gradually exposes individuals to feared situations—like attending a social event—while teaching them to resist compulsive checking or camouflaging. It is one of the most effective treatments for BDD.

Many individuals with body dysmorphia also struggle with anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Effective treatment addresses both BDD and these co-occurring conditions.

Relapse prevention involves building coping skills, identifying triggers, and maintaining support systems to prevent symptoms from returning. This step is vital for sustaining long-term recovery from body dysmorphia.