Body Dysmorphic Disorder Therapy in Towson, Maryland
The Maryland Anxiety Center offers therapy for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in Towson, Maryland. Our practice uses a cognitive behavioral approach to anxiety and related disorders.
What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Most human beings have experienced some type of body image concern. Who hasn’t asked or wondered, “does this outfit make me look fat, my butt look too big, is my nose too big or crooked, etc.”?
People with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) become preoccupied with a perceived bodily defect or flaw. They believe that they look ugly, unattractive, abnormal or deformed and often feel their appearance is offensive to others. Some people feel so bad about their appearance that you may hear them refer to themselves as looking “hideous” or like a “monster”. However, the perceived imperfection may not even be noticeable to others or if so, viewed as very slight.
What are Common Behaviors Associated With BDD?
People who suffer from BDD can become so distressed that they often engage in excessive, time consuming, costly or even dangerous behaviors in attempts to correct the flaw and alleviate the associated distress.
These behaviors can include:
- Repeatedly checking mirrors or other reflective surfaces
- Excessive grooming (e.g. shaving, styling, picking skin or pulling hair)
- Camouflaging (e.g. applying makeup, colored hair powders, wearing hats, sunglasses, etc.)
- Reassurance seeking
- Repeatedly touching the area to “check” it
- Excessive exercising or weight lifting
- Tanning
- Cosmetic or self-administered surgeries
Our Approach to BDD Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the standard approach at The Maryland Anxiety Center. CBT explores connections among thoughts, emotions, and actions. It involves learning different ways to evaluate situations and working to change problematic thinking and behavioral patterns.
After an assessment, your therapist will explain your diagnosis, recommended treatment, and the reasons for that recommendation. You and your therapist will develop a plan together, with care tailored to your individual needs.
Learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy.
Meet Our Clinicians
Understanding a clinician’s background can help you make an informed decision about care. Learn about our team’s qualifications, specialized training, and approaches to treating anxiety and related disorders.
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The Maryland Anxiety Center was founded by Andrea G. Batton, LCPC with a vision of creating a practice where clinicians and staff work cohesively and collaboratively with patients to provide optimal psychological care. The Maryland Anxiety Center specializes in the treatment of anxiety and related disorders from a cognitive behavioral perspective, the gold-standard and most effective treatment for such conditions.