What are treatments for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?

What are treatments for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?

Body dysmorphic disorder treatment often includes a combination of:

• Psychotherapy (or cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT): Individual counseling focuses on changing a person’s thinking (cognition) and behavior. Through treatment, they correct their thinking about the defect and lessen their compulsive actions.
• Exposure and response prevention: ERP uses thoughts and real-life situations to prove to the person that their view of themselves is not accurate.
• Medication: Antidepressant medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may help treat body dysmorphic disorder.
• Group/family therapy: Family support is key to successful treatment. Family members learn to understand body dysmorphic disorder and recognize the signs and symptoms.