Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Defined
Cleveland Clinic: Body Dysmorphic Disorder
A brief overview of what Body Dysmorphic Disorder is and how it is diagnosed.
Mayo Clinic: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (Mayo Clinic Staff, 11/05/08)
This comprehensive overview gives information on Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), an anxiety disorder in which the affected person is excessively concerned about and preoccupied by a perceived defect in his or her physical features. It includes information on symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, diagnosis, treatment, coping, and more.
Behavenet Clinical Capsule: Body Dysmorphic Disorder
This website lists the DSM IV-TR criteria for Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
Information and Resources
Body Dysmorphic Disorder –- FAQ (Dr. David Veale, The Priory Hospital, North London)
On this website aimed toward the general public, Dr. David Veale answers some frequently asked questions about BDD such as when does a concern with one’s appearance become BDD, what causes BDD, what are the other symptoms of BDD, and what treatments are available.
The BDD Foundation (UK)
The BDD Foundation is a UK-based foundation that aims to increase awareness and understanding of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), taking the focus away from current stigmas that can perceive BDD as narcissistic, self-indulgent or purely a result of modern Western ideals. On this website you will find a brief overview of the disorder, personal stories from those who suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and ways of both getting help and helping others.
Treatment Centers
Los Angeles Body Dysmorphic Disorder & Body Image Clinic
The Los Angeles Body Dysmorphic Disorder & Body Image Clinic is the first mental health clinic on the West Coast of the United States dedicated primarily to the evaluation and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and similar body image disturbances.
The Body Image Program at Rhode Island Hospital
The Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Body Image Program is one of the few specialty programs in the country for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The program is directed by Katharine Phillips MD author of The Broken Mirror: Understanding and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder, who is internationally known for her pioneering clinical and research work on BDD. This website contains information about treatment options, personal stories, answers to medication questions, and more.
The Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Clinic & Research Unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital
The Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Clinic & Research Unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital is one of the few clinics in the United States specializing in the treatment and research of BDD.
Support Groups
BDD Central
BDD Central’s mission is to offer a safe and supportive place to communicate and learn, educate the public through outreach programs, and offer updated to help sufferers and their loved ones. They offer a forum where those who suffer from BDD or their friends and family can seek and offer support here: http://bddcentral.com/forums/.
BDD Support (UK)
This UK based group is a non-profit organization that provides information for those affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder and professionals working with sufferers.
Articles
“Suicidality in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Prospective Study” (Phillips, Katherine A. and Menard, William, American Journal of Psychiatry, July 2006)
This is an academic study that examined suicidality in 185 subjects for up to 4 years. The conclusion is that individuals with BDD have high rates of suicidal ideation and attempts and that while the completed suicide rate is preliminary, it suggests that the rate of completed suicide in BDD is markedly high.
“Cosmetic Surgery Special: When Looks Can Kill” (Nowak, Rachel, New Scientist, 10/19/06)
An article on how those who receive plastic surgery may have higher incident rates of mental illness and suicide due to a generally greater likelihood of having a poor self image.
“Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Recognizing and Treating Imagined Ugliness” (Phillips, Katherine A., World Psychiatry, February 2004)
A very informative and easy to read academic article on the importance of recognizing and diagnosing BDD in clients due to the distress and impairment in functioning that the disorder can cause. Includes background information and an overview of the disorder.
“Behavioral Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder” (Penzel, Fred, Western Suffolk Psychological Services in Long Island, New York)
This is an article on behavioral therapy for BDD.
“Body Dysmorphic Disorder In Men” (Phillips, Katherine A, British Journal of Medicine, 11/03/01)
This article explains how Body Dysmorphic Disorder affects as many men as women and some of the more common issues men with BDD have.
“When Your Looks Take Over Your Life” (Brody, Jane E., The New York Times, 03/22/10)
This article discusses new findings on Body Dysmorphic Disorder and an overview of which treatments help those affected.
“Probability of Full Recovery From Body Dysmorphic Disorder Good Over Time” (Brauser, Deborah, Medscape Medical News, 01/13/11)
With enough time, and proper treatment, many patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are likely to recover and not relapse, new research suggests.
Videos
Healthzone BDD
Health Zone video segment with Amy Hendel and Arie Winograd, director of the Los Angeles Body Dysmorphic Disorder & Body Image Clinic, discussing BDD.
CNN Interview About BDD
Arie Winograd speaks with CNN’S Paula Zahn about treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
