BDD-Related Q&A with Clinicians

[@HS-hi6wc]

I wish more people were dedicated to BDD. I struggle with it on a daily basis

[@OZRIC1985]

Getting enough sleep has absolutely no impact on my BDD. My BDD has been severely affecting me in so many negative ways for 40 years, so no amount of sleep, CBT, or anything else would change the negative ways in which I view myself. Maybe if I had some kind of severe head trauma that would erase some negative events in my life from a part of my brain or affect my brain in a way which made me view myself completely differently, then I may be able to rid myself of this awful disorder. I have been on SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, and atypical antipsychotics, and none of these medications has even put a dent in my BDD. Also, the limiting time in front of the mirror thing wouldn't help me either. When I feel adequately presentable to leave the house, that's when I will leave the house. If I don't get the time to make myself look even remotely presentable, I will not leave the house...period. My BDD is so severe that it has caused me to be late to school, jobs, and important events over four decades. I have been fired from good jobs due to being constantly late as a result of my BDD. It is a wicked condition from which to suffer. The only way that I could ever have a possibility of being "cured" of this disorder is for major changes to occur in my body (i.e. if my skin and hair miraculously got darker, among other major bodily changes). I am turning 54 years old in a few days, and I have suffered with BDD for 40 years, so I don't foresee myself ever being rid of this awful devastating disorder. I guess I will just have to hope to be reincarnated as a more "normal" looking human being. :(

[@ambol1427]

I completely understand everything you're saying and resonate with most of the things you're saying as well. I feel to completely accept myself I must permanently change the things I hate.

[@laurahess5360]

Hi John-I know this was awhile back, but wondering if you have ever heard of EMDR? EMDR may be able to help with underlying problem/s that started you on this journey.

[@RiderRescue]

Thank you all for taking the time to have this discussion. I believe by shining a light on this... and having these types of discussions... it actually helps to tame the wild animal (that is BDD) a bit more. Thank you again... and know that your work is vitally important to help save people's lives (figuratively and literally).

[@brim5675]

I hate that b i am doing something like normal and then i get a glanse in the mirror or reflection of mysel. And i see how disgusting i am. Like i kinda forgot for a minute. And the reminder is such a horrible shock!!!. Its so cruel

[@kai_johnsonn]

Never thought of doing the role playing suggestion, I think that's great. I think a lot of therapists don't focus on preparing you for insults because they don't want to upset you

[@gk_knight]

After LASIK and hair replacement, I can say the improvement is very mild. And both come with their own NEW bdd challenges with maintanence. Better to tackle the source of the problem with Cbt rather than patching the symptoms.

[@katieelizabeth1761]

thankyou for uploading this it’s really helpful!!❤️

[@reamariasimola]

Thankyou all

[@Holsgolightly]

‘Go with somebody else’ exactly. Gps went to Med school didn’t they, they should know what BDD is

[@brim5675]

I destincly remember a strnger coming up to me at the train station in highschool and saying " you know my best friend is an eye model. You could br an eye model...she has a fucked up nose aswell"... also my step mums friend saying to her " id love to see what briony looks like when shes older and has grown into her face..." but i dont remeber lot of my life lol

[@brim5675]

Even if you dont look at the small stamp of yourself, you know everyone lse has a full profile portrait view of you No way!!! Havent done a photo or video for about 5 yrs a still shot of my ugliness that people can look at whenever how horrifying!!!