What is Body Dysmorphia

What is Body Dysmorphia?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), also known as body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition where individuals obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance — flaws that are often minor or invisible to others.

This obsessive focus can cause severe distress, anxiety, depression, and even avoidance of social situations. For some, body dysmorphia overlaps with eating disorders, leading to dangerous dieting, exercise, or cosmetic surgery behaviors.

Treatment is essential for breaking free from the cycle of obsessive thoughts and behaviors and developing a healthier self-image.

5 Signs & Symptoms of Body Dysmorphia

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Obsessive Focus on Appearance

People with body dysmorphia may spend hours each day fixating on perceived flaws, often ones that others do not notice. This constant preoccupation can interfere with work, school, or daily responsibilities.

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Excessive Mirror Checking or Avoidance

Some individuals may frequently check mirrors to scrutinize their appearance, looking for flaws or reassurance. Others may avoid mirrors entirely, fearing the distress that comes with seeing their reflection.

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Camouflaging Perceived Flaws

Clothing, makeup, or accessories may be used strategically to cover up or distract from certain body parts. These behaviors often provide temporary relief but reinforce negative body image over time.

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Avoidance of Social Situations

Many individuals withdraw from social interactions due to fear of judgment or embarrassment about their appearance. This isolation can worsen anxiety, depression, and feelings of low self-worth.

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Compulsive or Harmful Behaviors

Extreme dieting, over-exercising, or undergoing multiple cosmetic procedures may develop in an attempt to “fix” perceived flaws. These behaviors can be dangerous and further fuel the cycle of body dissatisfaction.

Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms, click below to take our eating disorders quiz.

Treatment Options for Body Dysmorphia

  • Therapy & Counseling

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) are highly effective for reducing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. These therapies help clients challenge distorted beliefs and build healthier coping strategies.

  • Nutritional & Body Image Support

    For individuals whose body dysmorphia overlaps with eating disorders, nutritional counseling and body image work provide essential care. These services help clients rebuild a positive relationship with food and their bodies.

  • Medication Management

    In some cases, psychiatric support may be recommended to help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Medications can complement therapy and improve overall stability during recovery.

  • Group & Family Therapy

    Group therapy fosters community, reduces isolation, and provides peer support from others who share similar struggles. Family therapy strengthens the home support system by improving communication and education around body dysmorphia.

  • Mindfulness & Stress Reduction

    Mindfulness practices, meditation, and relaxation techniques help reduce anxiety and obsessive thoughts. Learning to manage stress in healthier ways supports long-term progress and emotional balance.

  • Aftercare Planning

    Recovery does not end after treatment, which is why aftercare planning is essential. Continued therapy, relapse prevention tools, and support groups ensure ongoing emotional health and long-term success.

Client Testimonials

Luxury Treatment for Body Dysmorphia

Our luxury treatment centers combine evidence-based therapy with holistic care in a serene and private environment. Clients benefit from personalized treatment plans that address both the psychological and emotional challenges of body dysmorphia. With private accommodations, chef-prepared meals, and spa-like amenities, Virtue Recovery provides a safe and supportive setting where healing can truly begin.

Beyond comfort, our programs focus on whole-person healing by integrating therapy, nutritional guidance, and wellness practices. We emphasize restoring balance to the mind, body, and spirit while helping clients build healthier self-perceptions. This comprehensive approach ensures that recovery is not only effective but also sustainable, supporting lasting transformation and renewed confidence.

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Our Las Vegas Luxury Inpatient Body Dysmorphia Treatment Center

Our inpatient program provides 24/7 support for clients with body dysmorphia. This immersive level of care is ideal for individuals whose symptoms are severely affecting daily functioning, leading to depression, anxiety, or eating disorder behaviors.

Inpatient care offers structure, medical oversight, and daily therapy in a safe, healing environment.

Our Las Vegas Outpatient Body Dysmorphia Treatment Center

For those who do not need full-time residential care, our outpatient program offers flexible support while clients continue living at home.

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Our Las Vegas Adolescent / Teen Inpatient Body Dysmorphia Treatment Center

Teens are especially vulnerable to body dysmorphia due to social media pressures and developmental changes. Virtue Recovery’s Adolescent Inpatient Program provides developmentally appropriate treatment for teens and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Body Dysmorphia Treatment

Not always. While BDD can overlap with eating disorders, it is a distinct mental health condition often categorized under obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Causes may include genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, bullying, or social pressures like unrealistic beauty standards.

Yes. Treatment includes therapy, medication (when appropriate), and holistic recovery approaches.

Yes. Many teens experience body image distress, but BDD is more severe and requires professional treatment.

Glossary of Terms for Body Dysmorphia Treatment

A mental health condition involving obsessive focus on perceived appearance flaws.

A therapy that helps reduce compulsive checking or avoidance behaviors.

Therapy that addresses distorted thinking and behavior patterns.

Therapy that helps regulate emotions and reduce harmful behaviors.

Using clothing, makeup, or accessories to hide perceived flaws.

24/7 supervised care in a residential facility.

Structured therapy while continuing to live at home.

Counseling to strengthen family support during recovery.

Anorexia Nervosa

Virtue offers medically supervised treatment for individuals struggling with severe food restriction, body image distortion, and extreme weight loss associated with anorexia.

Bulimia Nervosa

Comprehensive care is provided for those experiencing cycles of bingeing and purging, helping them restore physical health and emotional balance.

Orthorexia Nervosa

Treatment focuses on addressing obsessive behaviors around “clean” or “healthy” eating that interfere with daily functioning and well-being.

Binge Eating

Individuals receive therapeutic support to overcome compulsive overeating and emotional eating patterns that impact mental and physical health.

Compulsive Overeating

Virtue’s approach helps clients manage chronic overeating behaviors linked to stress, trauma, or emotional triggers.

Rumination Disorder

Specialized therapy is offered for the repeated regurgitation of food, often tied to anxiety or developmental concerns.

Laxative Abuse

Care targets both the physical effects and underlying psychological issues related to the misuse of laxatives for weight control.

Diabulimia

Integrated treatment supports individuals with type 1 diabetes who manipulate insulin for weight loss, addressing both eating disorder and medical risks.

Body Dysmorphia

Treatment involves cognitive and behavioral strategies to reduce obsessive thoughts and distorted self-image tied to body appearance.

OSFED

A flexible, individualized treatment plan is developed for those whose symptoms don’t fit neatly into other diagnostic categories.

ARFID

Virtue helps clients expand their food choices and overcome fear-based or sensory-related food avoidance.

UFED

Clients receive personalized care for disordered eating patterns that require clinical attention but lack a specific diagnosis.

Special Eating Disorders

We provide tailored treatment for less common or overlapping eating disorders that fall outside standard diagnostic categories.

Dual Diagnosis

Our integrated approach addresses both eating disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions for complete, whole-person healing.

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