How Do You Fix Body Dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychological disorder that manifests as a skewed visual perception of one’s own body. It is inevitable that every young person will have bouts insecurity surrounding his or her appearance (whether it be from weight fluctuations or a pimple). Teenagers that suffer from body dysmorphic disorder, however, will become preoccupied and obsessed over inaccurate flaws creating an inability to function properly in one’s everyday daily life. The effects of body dysmorphic disorder can have severe consequences and if left untreated can result in long-term damage to an adolescent’s self-esteem, social skills, school performance, and physical health. The exact cause for body dysmorphic disorder remains unknown. There are, however, many recovery options available for a young person struggling with body dysmorphic disorder.

A young person diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder will likely require professional treatment that includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication. There are a variety of options for teens who may benefit from a formal treatment program. At Pacific Teen Treatment, for example, we offer a residential treatment program. We create tailored treatment plans for each of our clients to ensure all nuanced needs are met. Certain therapeutic modalities that are commonly integrated into treatment plans at Pacific Teen Treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), expressive arts therapies, and more. Medication has been said to be helpful for teenagers suffering from body dysmorphic disorder. At Pacific Teen Treatment, we use the leading experts in adolescent psychiatry when medication is considered. We make sure that, if medication is deemed appropriate as a component of a teen’s treatment plan, to include the parents in this decision (both for permission and for continued involvement in the teenager’s recovery process). 

At Pacific Teen Treatment, we provide a safe, calming environment for our residents to feel comfortable, allowing them to focus solely on their recovery. We encourage our residents to integrate yoga and or meditation into their lives, as well as other relaxation methods. It is important for each young person with body dysmorphic disorder to practice basic healthy lifestyle choices (eating, sleeping, exercise) daily. The best way to fix body dysmorphia is to confront it head-on and begin treatment. While eating disorders, including body dysmorphic disorder, are life-long conditions, with proper treatment, a young person can recover from body dysmorphic disorder and learn how to effectively manage its symptoms.

For Information and Support

Every family in need of mental health treatment must select a program that will best suit the needs of their family. When one member of a family struggles, it impacts everyone in the family unit. To maximize the benefits of treatment we work closely with the entire family to ensure that everyone is receiving the support they need through these difficult times.

eeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know needs mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person’s life, long term. Pursuing support at the beginning of one’s journey can put the individual in the best position to learn how to manage themselves in a healthy way so they can go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.

OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE ADMISSIONS TEAM CAN BE REACHED 24/7 AT INFO@PACIFICRTC.COM OR CALL: 800-531-5769

We are available to answer any questions you may have regarding mental health treatment and our residential program, anytime. Contact us today using the form to the right.