The Los Angeles Body Dysmorphic Disorder Clinic is a private outpatient facility. We evaluate and treat body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) using a multimodal approach tailored to the individual’s needs. This may include individual psychotherapy, psychiatric medication treatment, group therapy, and family interventions.
Individual psychotherapy is an essential component of treatment. We use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the overall treatment model, which has been proven to be an effective treatment for body dysmorphic disorder. From our experience, in some cases CBT alone is insufficient. We therefore also incorporate other techniques as needed such as psychodynamic and family systems therapies. Individual psychotherapy also entails diagnosing and treating co-existing disorders. Length of treatment is frequently determined by the severity of the BDD and other symptoms.
Most individuals with body dysmorphic disorder benefit from treatment with psychiatric medication. This has been demonstrated in open-label and controlled research studies. Our clinical psychiatrists are experienced in treating BDD and co-existing psychiatric disorders. Our psychiatrists work closely with the individual therapists as a treatment team to provide the most cohesive quality of care.
We also offer a body dysmorphic disorder therapeutic-support group. The group, also known as Accurate Reflections, is one of the very few existing BDD support groups, and has been together since April 2003. It is meant as an adjunct to individual BDD treatment, not a replacement for it. We usually recommend that individuals receive a minimum of three months of individual therapy for their BDD symptoms before they join the group. The group meets every Wednesday evening at the clinic. All group members have body dysmorphic disorder as a primary diagnosis.
How long does treatment last? The length of treatment is influenced by multiple factors. Individuals with severe body dysmorphic disorder symptoms will require more frequent therapy sessions and often need to remain in treatment longer than those who begin treatment with mild or moderate symptoms. It is not unusual that individuals with BDD have several co-morbid (co-occurring) disorders. Common co-morbid disorders include obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, substance abuse disorders, and eating disorders. The number and severity of co-morbid disorders will often increase the length of treatment.
Click Here to view Jamie Feusner, M.D. discuss treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
