This page has been reviewed by Dr Marielle Quint, March 2025.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a child or teenager becomes overly focused on perceived flaws in their appearance. These concerns are often minor or not noticeable to others, but for the child, they can cause intense distress. BDD can lead to avoidance of social situations, low self-esteem, and disruption to school and everyday life.
BDD can affect how a young person feels, behaves, and interacts with others. It often involves ongoing worry about appearance and compulsive behaviours to try to feel “better” about how they look.
1. Excessive preoccupation with appearance
Constant focus on a specific body part (e.g., skin, nose, hair, weight, or muscle tone)
Believing they are “ugly,” “deformed,” or abnormal, even when reassured otherwise
Comparing their appearance with others frequently
Feeling extremely self-conscious about how they look in public or photos
2. Repetitive behaviours (compulsions)
Spending long periods checking or avoiding mirrors
Excessive grooming, skin picking, or attempts to “fix” perceived flaws
Repeatedly asking for reassurance about their appearance
Overuse of makeup, clothing, or filters to hide perceived imperfections
Changing outfits frequently until things feel “right”
3. Emotional and social impact
High levels of anxiety, shame, or distress about their looks
Avoiding school, social events, or being photographed
Low self-esteem, social withdrawal, or symptoms of depression
In some cases, thoughts of self-harm linked to body image concerns
Diagnosis involves a careful assessment by a mental health professional. This includes:
Talking with the child and their caregivers about appearance-related concerns
Exploring how much time they spend on appearance-related thoughts and behaviours
Assessing the impact on their school, social life, and emotional wellbeing
It’s important to distinguish BDD from typical body image worries that many children experience as they grow.
Evidence-based treatments can help children and teenagers manage symptoms of BDD and build a healthier relationship with their body.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is the first-line treatment for BDD and includes:
Challenging unhelpful beliefs and thought patterns about appearance
Reducing compulsive behaviours like mirror checking or reassurance-seeking
Building self-esteem and emotional regulation
Encouraging healthier body image and social confidence
Specialised BDD interventions
Some children may benefit from therapy specifically adapted for body image concerns. This might include imagery rescripting, exposure work, and developing self-compassion.
Medication
In more severe cases or where BDD coexists with depression or anxiety, medication such as SSRIs may be considered alongside therapy.
At Kidswell Health, we have an experienced in-house team of child psychologists and therapists who are skilled in supporting children with BDD. We provide compassionate assessments, tailored therapy plans, and ongoing emotional support.
If your child is struggling with body image or showing signs of BDD, contact Kidswell Health to access expert help and guidance.
For more information on body image and BDD in young people, the following resources may be useful:
If your child is in crisis or at risk of harm, please seek immediate help via emergency services or visit Mind’s crisis guide.
Book an appointment with one of our experienced professionals today.
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