Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treatment Specialist in St. George, UT

At Gold Counseling, we are devoted to providing comprehensive mental health services that extend beyond traditional therapy. BDD is characterized by an obsessive concern with perceived physical flaws. Even though other people reassure them otherwise, people with borderline personality disorder (BDD) frequently experience severe distress and may participate in compulsive activities like overgrooming or getting cosmetic surgery.
 
We recognize that BDD can lead to significant impairment in daily life activities, including social, occupational, and academic functioning. This can result in profound isolation, loneliness, and increased anxiety. This problem frequently coexists with other mental health issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.

BDD’s exact cause is unknown, however, it is most likely the result of a mix of genetic, metabolic, and environmental variables. Certain risk factors for developing or initiating BDD include having a family with BDD or another mental health illness, having poor life events such as bullying or taunting, and being subjected to societal pressures or expectations of beauty.

We believe that BDD, like any other mental health disorder, requires professional treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with BDD, we urge you to seek help. Our compassionate team is ready to provide the necessary support and treatment strategies to help you navigate your journey to recovery. You are not alone, and with the right help and support, recovery is possible.

Body dysmorphia is a complex mental disorder that manifests as a person’s excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in their appearance. Through a combination of psychological therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, and self-care strategies, we provide patients with the tools they need to manage their symptoms and ultimately regain control of their lives.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): At Gold Counseling, our team of experienced psychologists incorporates CBT into the treatment plan. This effective strategy helps patients identify and challenge their negative thought patterns, replacing them with healthier ones to reduce compulsive behaviors associated with body dysmorphia.

Medication: As part of our integrated approach, we may recommend antidepressant medication, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. This is especially beneficial if the patient is simultaneously experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Our team employs ERP, which gradually exposes patients to their feared body parts or situations while teaching them to resist compulsive behaviors. This desensitization process helps reduce avoidance and fosters acceptance of perceived flaws.

Mindfulness and Self-compassion: Our team also promotes mindfulness practices, such as meditation, to help patients focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on negative thoughts about their appearance.

Body Acceptance: We guide our patients towards accepting their bodies as they are, regardless of perceived flaws. This acceptance helps break the cycle of negative body image and improves self-esteem.

Support Groups and Therapy: Our supportive community is invaluable to patients overcoming body dysmorphia. We facilitate supportive networks that include trusted friends and family, as well as fellow patients dealing with the disorder.

Education: We believe in empowering patients through education. Understanding body dysmorphia, its causes, and treatment options is a crucial step in the recovery journey.

Lifestyle Modifications: We advocate for a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity to reduce feelings of anxiety, a balanced diet for overall physical health, and sufficient sleep, as lack of it can exacerbate symptoms of body dysmorphia.

Long-Term Recovery: Overcoming body dysmorphia is an ongoing process that requires time, patience, commitment, and support. Recovery may vary for each individual, and relapses may occur, but with our continued therapy, medication, and coping strategies, patients can achieve significant symptom reduction and improve their quality of life.

At Gold Counseling, we understand the deep impact of mental health disorders, such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), on the overall well-being of an individual. BDD is a mental health disorder characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived physical defects or flaws. Although these flaws are often minor or unnoticed by others, they can become the focus of the individual’s attention, leading to significant distress and impaired functioning in daily life.
 
Excessive self-examination, repetitive compulsive behaviors, and body avoidance are common symptoms of BDD. Individuals with this disorder may constantly check their appearance in mirrors or photos, spend hours worrying about perceived flaws, and engage in behaviors aimed at fixing or hiding these flaws.

We believe that it’s important to differentiate Body Dysmorphic Disorder from body dissatisfaction. While it’s common for individuals to be critical of their bodies, BDD is a more severe condition characterized by persistent and excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws.

BDD can cause significant emotional distress, leading to conditions like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can impair social, occupational, and educational functioning, as individuals struggle with intense preoccupation with their appearance. In severe circumstances, the distress induced by BDD might lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.

With our team of experienced and compassionate professionals, Gold Counseling is dedicated to providing exceptional mental health services, including help for those dealing with BDD.

Body dysmorphia is often seen in adolescents and young adults, who are navigating through the transformative years of adolescence characterized by rapid physical changes. During these years, societal pressures on appearance can spike, possibly making these individuals more prone to developing body dysmorphia.

While BDD can affect anyone, it appears to be slightly more common in women, potentially due to societal pressures and standards of beauty. However, men can also suffer from body dysmorphia, often focusing on aspects of their appearance such as hair loss, body shape, and muscle size.

Individuals with high levels of perfectionism, self-criticism, and low self-esteem may be more likely to develop this condition. In addition, we understand that body dysmorphia is more common in those with a history of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Body dysmorphia is a complex disorder influenced by both psychological and biological factors. It’s crucial to understand that anyone can experience its debilitating symptoms. That’s why our team at Gold Counseling is dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments and support for those struggling with this mental health issue. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Riverdale UT, Washington Terrace UT, Clinton UT, Kaysville UT, Clearfield UT, Farmington UT, Draper UT, Riverton UT, Sandy UT, St. George UT, Bloomington UT, Santa Clara, UT, and surrounding areas.