Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals with Dr. Katharine Phillips

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) remains one of the most intriguing yet under-acknowledged psychiatric conditions of our time. Characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived physical flaws or defects, often invisible to others, this disorder manifests in ways that can profoundly affect an individual's daily life, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Through an exploration of its origins, symptoms, and prevalent treatments, this article aims to equip mental health professionals with a comprehensive understanding of BDD. We also shed light on the invaluable contributions of renowned experts in the field, most notably Dr. Katharine Phillips, whose pioneering research and clinical practices have transformed the way we approach, diagnose, and treat this complex condition. As the quest for insight and effective interventions continues, understanding BDD becomes pivotal for therapists and clinicians dedicated to holistic patient care.
Financial Disclosure for Katharine A. Phillips, M.D.
Fabday LLC (presentation for providers of aesthetic treatment, honorarium)
CeraVe/Roxane S. Chabot DBA RBC Consultants (psychodermatology advisory board, honorarium)
Link to Blog: www.psychiatrypodcast.com/psy...

[@disfahani7821]

Excellent talk! I am curious to know more about psychodynamic explanations of BDD.

[@SylviabombsmithUjhy75bd34]

needs more Dr. Patricia Coughlin, Dr. Jonathan Shedler, Dr. Danielle Knafo, Dr. Michael Garrett, or Dr. Brian Koehler.

[@rxz8432]

aren't the 'perceptual abnormalities' in BDD similar to those in some of the eating disorders?

[@BreeeYT]

I have BDD I literally see myself differently than how I look. My SSRI helped…

[@OZRIC1985]

What would you call it if a person really was actually ugly, and that person has confirmed that they are ugly by things/events they have experienced in public several times in their life? What if that person is a man (for instance) who is never looked at in public as being attractive enough for a female to date, etc? Would that still be considered as BDD? What if a patient feels so awful about himself (hair, body, etc.) for over 40 years that he wouldn't at all be comfortable with going through any type of "exposure therapy" in some kind of attempt to be "cured" of BDD? By the way, this is MY personal dilemma. I can't see myself being magically cured of this disorder unless I could take some kind of very strong medication that would make me so doped up that I would no longer care how I looked to anyone else. Other than that, I can't see myself ever getting "cured" of this disorder. Exposure therapy would not be an option to me as I would feel that it would be the equivalent of jumping off of a bridge or something equally nightmarish.

[@psychiatrypsychotherapy6939]

That would be an internalization of a negative self concept, with beliefs that led to the person giving up from dating. Love is more than just physical attraction. Therapy would likely help that person.