Hypnotherapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in Ipswich Suffolk
Do you have Body Dysmorphia?
I am Graham Howes a Hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner and I work with Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Stress, eating Disorders such as Anorexia or Bulimia as well as BDD, Insomnia, Trauma and Weight Loss, amongst many other things, to help you to learn strategies to diminish and even eradicate the issues that are holding back your success.
FREE CONSULTATION: Text 07875720623 or Call 01473879561
Email: grahamahowes@me.com
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder or BDD?
It is very easy with all the pressures of the Media, to get a sense that we are somehow abnormal, in comparison to the airbrushed celebrities that we see. We can develop Body Dysmorphia Disorder or BDD.
We may feel awkward in social situations or we might eat or exercise excessively to get a certain look. We might be compulsively interested in Cosmetic Surgery. We could develop OCD. We may contemplate suicide or self medicate with food or drink or drugs. We could develop an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. We could have anxiety related obsessive behaviours.
Hypnotherapy and NLP in Ipswich Suffolk for BDD Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Hypnotherapy and NLP can help us to change our idea of our self image and deal with the underlying factors driving the misperceptions. The various techniques and strategies help you to move on from the distressing perceived prison of BDD. We can also deal with the fallout of our distorted self image and the coping mechanisms.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is actually an anxiety disorder related to body image.
Do I have BDD or Body Dysmorphic Disorder? Take this test on the Body Dysmorphia website: http://bddfoundation.org/helping-you/questionnaires/
OR fill this in:
Simply check those items that apply to you, and select and copy the form and email the test to us via grahamahowes@me.com . While this questionnaire is not meant to replace a thorough evaluation, it may help in identifying traits of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).
1. I excessively worry about my physical appearance.
2. I often check my appearance in mirrors or other reflecting objects (i.e., windows, car bumpers, spoons, etc).
3. I frequently avoid mirrors and other reflecting objects.
4. I excessively perform basic grooming activities (i.e., washing skin, combing hair, brushing teeth) related to my perceived flaw.
5. I often use make-up or clothing (i.e., hats, scarves, long sleeve shirts, long pants, etc.) to camouflage my perceived flaw.
6. I frequently attempt to hide my perceived flaw by using my hands, by sitting in certain positions, or by staying in places where I believe the flaw will be less noticeable by others (i.e., a dark corner in a theatre or restaurant).
7. I regularly scrutinise others’ appearance for comparison.
8. I sometimes discuss my perceived flaw with others, or ask others to verify my perceived flaw
9. I often seek reassurance from others about the appearance of my perceived flaw.
10. I often touch, pick, and/or measure my perceived flaw.
11. I diet and/or eat only specific foods related to my perceived flaw.
12. I excessively exercise and/or lift weights in an effort to alter my perceived flaw.
13. I avoid certain places and/or activities (i.e., parties, dating, swimming, restaurants, theatres, etc.) because I don’t want others to see my perceived flaw.
14. I generally avoid having my picture taken.
15. I have undergone cosmetic procedures to correct my perceived flaw (i.e., plastic surgery, hair replacement, skin bleaching, etc.).
16. I am dissatisfied with the outcome of these cosmetic procedures.
17. I am planning or hoping to have cosmetic procedures to alter my perceived flaw in the future.
18. I am often anxious or depressed thinking about my perceived flaw.
19. I am often late for activities due to performing behaviors related to my perceived flaw.
20. I often believe others notice my perceived flaw and/or are thinking negative thoughts about my perceived flaw.
21. I am significantly distressed about my perceived flaw.
22. I often believe others are discussing or commenting on my perceived flaw.
23. My concerns about my perceived flaw are interfering with my relationships and/or with my academic or professional functioning.
24. I spend hours per day doing behaviours specifically related to my perceived flaw.
25. I worry most about the following parts of my body:
How did you do? The more you ticked then the higher the score – which can give a rough indication of whether you have BDD and to what degree. You can copy and email the results if you like and we can discuss the matter FREE OF CHARGE.
I will build a bespoke treatment using Hypnotherapy and NLP to address the problem areas. Some of the techniques I use are outlined below. You might also look at my other pages for specifics such as Anxiety and Panic
Diagnosing BDD:
You might be given a professional diagnosis of BDD (SOURCE: MIND WEBSITE) if you:
- experience obsessive worry about one or more perceived flaws in your physical appearance; the flaw cannot be seen by others or appears very slight
- develop compulsive behaviour and routines, such as excessive use of mirrors or picking your skin, to deal with the worries you have about the way you look
If you have BDD, these obsessions and behaviours cause emotional distress and have a significant impact on your ability to carry on with your everyday life. In this way, BDD is closely related to obsessive compulsive disorder known as OCD.
BDD varies in severity in each person and at different times. For some, concerns around their appearance may make it difficult for them to go out in public or see other people.
It can vary day-by-day. It can be almost unnoticed or it might be completely debilitating.
BDD may also cause other problems such as:
- feelings of shame, guilt or feeling lonely
- isolating yourself to avoid situations that cause you anxiety or discomfort
- depression or anxiety
- misuse of alcohol or other drugs
- feeling that you require unnecessary medical procedures, such as cosmetic surgery
- eating disorders
- self-harm
- suicidal thoughts
Many people with BDD do not seek help because they are worried that people will judge them or think them vain. This means that many people with BDD are likely to experience it for a long time before seeking support.
What are the common signs of BDD?
People with BDD see themselves differently to how others see them. Although everyone’s experience of BDD is unique, there are some common signs:
Common obsessive worries about the body
If you have BDD you experience intrusive, negative thoughts about one specific area (or several areas) of your body which you think is:
- out of proportion
- too big or too small
- disfigured
- lacking symmetry
These thoughts cause you significant anxiety and you will often spend several hours a day thinking about the area or areas of concern.
BDD can affect any area of the body but common areas of anxiety include your skin, hair, nose, chin, lips or genitals.
BDD and eating disordersBDD and eating disorders share similar symptoms, such as:
However, BDD and eating disorders are not the same. When a person is experiencing an eating problem, such as anorexia nervosa, they are mainly concerned about their weight and shape. Someone experiencing BDD is likely to experience other concerns around body image – for example, they may also have concerns about a particular facial feature. Some people with BDD experience an eating disorder but not all people with eating disorders have BDD. A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, can assess your symptoms to help you find out whether you are experiencing BDD, an eating disorder or both. For more information, see our pages on eating problems. |
Some have struggled with BDD for many years. It changes. Sometimes it is something little, like your nose, that is really bothering you on that day. Sometimes it is every centimetre of your body that just feels wrong.
Common compulsive behaviours
If you have BDD, at some point during the course of your obsessions you could develop compulsive behaviours and routines to deal with all the the anxiety you feel about your appearance.
You may spend hours each day carrying out these behaviours to try to reduce your anxiety. The behaviours may briefly lessen your worries or they may make you feel worse.
Common compulsive behaviours in Body Dysmorphia may include:
- obsessively checking your appearance in mirrors or avoiding them completely
- using heavy make-up to try to hide the area you’re concerned about
- changing your posture or wearing heavy clothes to disguise your shape
- seeking constant reassurance about your appearance
- exercising excessively, often targeted at the area you’re concerned about
- frequent body checking with your fingers
- picking your skin to make it smooth
- excessive use of tanning products
- frequent weighing
- brushing or styling your hair obsessively
- constantly comparing yourself with models in magazines or people in the street
- seeking cosmetic surgery or having other types of medical treatment to change the area of concern
What is muscle dysmorphia?Muscle dysmorphia (or muscle dysmorphic disorder) is a type of BDD where you experience obsessive worries about your body being too small, skinny or insufficiently muscular. Despite this, you are of average build or, in some cases, exceptionally muscular. This often leads to compulsive behaviours that focus on building muscle, such as:
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Talk to me in Confidence to see how I can help you. Free Consultation Graham Howes 07875720623
For more on the MIND Website: https://mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd/#.WWO_GdPysUQ
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