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Interpreting Your Results

Your results indicate that your concerns about your appearance are substantial and significantly affect various aspects of your life. This level of impact suggests that it is important to address these concerns thoroughly to improve your overall well-being. This suggests you might be experiencing some symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

Don’t worry—this is pretty common for patients considering cosmetic procedures and doesn't mean you can't go ahead with your plans. Read on to learn more.

COPS | Moderate Signs of BDD

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Recommendation: proceed with caution

BDD is a recognised mental health condition
where individuals become excessively concerned with a perceived flaw in their appearance, often to the point where it can interfere with their daily lives.

OVERVIEW

Your score indicates that you fall into the Moderate Signs category (28-36). This suggests that your concerns about your appearance are significant and have a noticeable impact on your daily life. Let's explore what this could mean for you:

1. PREOCCUPATION

BDD becomes a serious issue when it starts to interfere with your daily life and overall happiness. 

You likely find yourself frequently thinking about your feature(s), and these thoughts may feel difficult to control: 

Regular Mirror Checking: You might look in the mirror often, spending considerable time checking and rechecking your appearance. 
Persistent Comparisons: Comparing your feature(s) to others or to images in the media might be a regular habit, often leaving you feeling dissatisfied. 
Seeking Reassurance: You may frequently seek reassurance from friends or family about your appearance, although this reassurance may provide only temporary relief.

2. LEVEL OF DISTRESS

While normal concerns about appearance are occasional and manageable, BDD involves persistent, distressing thoughts and behaviours that significantly interfere with one’s life.

Your feature(s) likely cause you considerable emotional distress, affecting your mood and overall well-being:

• Emotional Impact: You might experience strong feelings of sadness, frustration, or anxiety related to your appearance. These emotions can be intense and persistent.
• Physical Sensations: The distress may cause physical symptoms such as tension, headaches, or an upset stomach, especially when you focus on your appearance.

3. AVOIDANCE

Individuals with BDD may spend what would be considered an excessive amounts of time and effort trying to hide or fix their perceived flaws, often leading to anxiety, depression, and avoidance of social situations.

Concerns about your appearance might lead you to avoid certain situations or activities more frequently:

• Social Situations: You might often avoid social events or gatherings due to fears about how your feature(s) will be perceived.
• Photos and Videos: You may feel very uncomfortable being in photos or videos, often going to lengths to avoid these situations.
• Certain Activities: There might be activities, such as swimming or exercising, that you avoid because they draw attention to your feature(s).

4. IMPACT ON DAILY LIFE

Individuals with BDD may spend what would be considered an excessive amounts of time and effort trying to hide or fix their perceived flaws, often leading to anxiety, depression, and avoidance of social situations.

Your concerns about your appearance have a significant impact on your daily routines and responsibilities:

• Work or Study: Concentrating on tasks can be challenging, as thoughts about your appearance may be distracting. This can affect your productivity and performance.
• Relationships: Your concerns might strain interactions with friends, family, and romantic partners. You may feel less confident and worry about their perceptions of your feature(s).
• Daily Routines: Your preoccupation with your appearance can influence daily activities such as getting dressed, grooming, and making choices about your diet and lifestyle.

BDD is not the same as vanity.
Vanity involves a level of self-admiration and concern for one's appearance, while BDD causes significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.​

NEXT STEPS

No one can tell you what to do with your body. As long as you know enough to make an informed decision, the next steps are up to you. 

Your appearance concerns are significantly impacting your daily life. Before pursuing any cosmetic procedures, seek professional mental health support, carefully reflect on your motivations, and ensure you fully understand the procedures' risks and benefits. Engaging a supportive network of friends and family is also crucial.

Learn more about BDD

Understanding the disorder is the first step towards recognising it in yourself - or others. You can learn more about Body Dysmorphia - including the symptoms, causes, treatments and why it matters when it comes to cosmetic procedures - here.

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Practice wellbeing & mindfulness 

There are plenty of mental health/ mindfulness apps that can help you manage your mood and overall wellbeing. We are partnering with SPOKE, a neuroscience-backed music therapy app that make mental health care as easy as listening to your favourite music. Tailored to your mood, state of mind, and musical preferences, each session is a personal journey towards mental wellness.

Speak with a professional

Sometimes, professional help is the best way forward. There are multiple ways to treat BDD, including Talking Therapy,  Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and medication. You can speak to your GP, who may refer you to a specialist or point you towards local resources. Alternatively, you can self-refer to a private metal health provider. Check out some of the therapists below:

Lizzie Bosen, LCSW, CCTP

Lizzie Bosen, LCSW, CCTP

LCSW, CCTP

More (human) therapists coming soon!

More (human) therapists coming soon!

Phd.

The Body Image Treatment Clinic

The Body Image Treatment Clinic

All clinicians are registered with the HCPC and some with the BABCP as well which represents the gold standard in evidence based psychological and Dietetic treatment.

Dogtor B

Dogtor B

BSci, MSci, PhD in Passive Calming

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