Body dysmorphia is most commonly treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy - also known as CBT. CBT is a form of talk therapy in which you speak to a licensed mental health professional about your thoughts, reactions, and behaviors. The therapist can help you:
- Learn to challenge negative thoughts about your body image
- Replace distorted thinking with flexible and healthy thinking.
- Learn ways to cope with stress and negative thoughts or emotions
- Address obsessive behaviors (such as constantly checking a mirror) that are exacerbating negative thinking
- Address negative behaviors such as social withdrawal (not going out in public due to self-consciousness about a perceived “flaw”)
A mental health provider may seek to involve family members - especially parents - if the patient is a teenager. During these sessions, you, or the person undergoing treatment, will work with the therapist to create an individualized treatment plan.























