Body Dysmorphic Disorder

UK’s leading experts in eating disorders and body image difficulties

WHAT IS BDD?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an anxiety disorder that causes sufferers to spend a lot of time worrying about their appearance and to have a distorted view of how they look. BDD can be focussed on weight, shape, specific features (e.g. skin, hair, nose, face, hips) or overall attractiveness. In BDD the distress and anxiety experienced by a sufferer is extreme and excessive; in very severe cases it can prevent people from being able to leave their own house. A person with BDD will become so preoccupied with their body dissatisfaction that it starts to interfere with their social life, work or relationships.

WHO IS AFFECTED BY BDD?

BDD affects males and females equally, and can affect all age groups, but usually starts in adolescence. It is more common in people with a history of depression or social phobia and often occurs alongside OCD, generalised anxiety disorder, or sometimes an eating disorder.


BDD TREATMENT

The most effective treatment for BDD is cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure response prevention (CBT with ERP). Where BDD is moderate or severe, people may benefit from being prescribed an SSRI (anti-depressant) alongside therapy.

Specialist Team

The London Centre comprises specialist health professionals trained in evidence-based treatments for eating disorders. The team include:

  • Psychiatrists

  • Clinical Psychologists

  • Counselling Psychologists

  • Trainee Psychologists

  • Occupational Therapists

  • Dietitians

  • Family/Couple Therapists

Diverse Treatment Options

The clinic's specialist nature and the experience of its team also enable the offering of a wide variety of treatment approaches and therapies. The clinics offer both in-person and remote consultations.

Personalised Care

At the London Centre, we believe it's important to align our patients with both the right clinician and the appropriate treatment. While we ensure the use of evidence-based therapies we also ensure taking the time to listen to client preferences. This approach enables us to find the therapist and approach that best suits your needs.
 

Testimonials

Testimonials

“I never thought my disordered eating would be something I'd be able to begin tackling, let alone come out the other side of, but thanks to the staff at The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image I've been able to do both. The team were always judgement-free and supportive through what was a difficult journey at times, but I can safely say that they have immeasurably improved my life for the better.”

January 2024

“I can't thank The London Centre enough for changing my life, when I really thought it wouldn't be possible. I felt heard and understood, and I am now in a place where I can confidently put all the tools I learned into practice.”

January 2024

I would highly recommend The London Centre. The staff were incredible and the treatment really helped. I'm so glad to have my life back on track and really owe it to the excellent quality of therapy.

March 2024

 

How it works

Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, leveraging the expertise of multiple specialists, to ensure that our treatment is effective and tailored to your personal recovery.

 

Step 1

Contact Us

Before making an appointment you can contact us with any questions you might have via phone, email or by using our online contact form. Your first contact will more than likely be with Kerry, our wonderful PA.

Step 2

Assessment

Before the initial session, clients are requested to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their current circumstances, preferences, and availability for appointments. While not mandatory, this information assists us in matching individuals with the most suitable clinician.

Step 3

First Session

Following the assessment, clients will have a session to discuss their recommended treatment plan. A start date will be agreed upon, and arrangements will be made for an initial session.
 

Featured

FAQs

 

  • The fees do vary depending on, which clinician you see. For a full summary of our fees, what health insurance company policies we accept, and details about making payments please click the link. (https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/fees)

  • Our Team PA, Kerry, is available to answer any questions you may have prior to booking an assessment. If you would like to discuss treatment options or have a general conversation prior to booking, you are able to schedule a call with Mini Jones, our Clinic Lead who is always happy to discuss any questions or concerns. For further information, or to request a call back, please click the link provided to get in touch via email, phone, or through our online contact form.(https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/book-an-appointment)

  • It is important to note that we do have a 24 hour cancellation policy on all booked appointments. Any cancellations received within 24 hours remain fully charged.

    We request payment for an initial assessment appointment in advance of your appointment, which you can make over the phone using a debit or credit card or via the secure payment link sent to you with your invoice. For any further treatment sessions, and unless covered by private health insurance, we will invoice you sessionally which is payable upon receipt, however, we offer a maximum 30-day period in order to receive payment.

    All appointment reminders will be sent to you via our client management system ‘Cliniko’ - notifications@cliniko.com please do add this email address to your inbox contacts to ensure all communications are received promptly.

  • Therapy is most effective when a series of appointments tailored to your individual requirements can be established. The NICE guidelines are between 20-40 appointments but we are guided by our clients depending on their needs, preference, and motivation to adopt change. We will always remain flexible to accommodate your preferences.