Body Dysmorphic Disorder & Body Image

In this weeks episode, Han is joined by PhD student, Hannah Lewis. Hannah is a PhD student from Queen Mary University of London.

With Han, we discuss body image, body dysmorphic disorder, and the impact this may have on your mental health.

We talk about how eating disorders and body dysmorphia are often seen in tandem, but their treatment is rarely integrated. There is a common misconception that BDD and ED are separate entities which don't cross paths, which can invalidate an individuals experience. This podcast explores the link and documents the changes that must occur in order for individuals to be treated for both, valid, diagnoses.

We speak about interventions for body image, and how in an ideal world this would prevent eating disorders, but explore the multi-factorial aspect of eating disorders and the need for further preventative measures.

We then speak about Han’s research, looking at the body project, which uses cognitive dissonance, to tackle body image concerns in the hope of preventing eating disorders, and how to make this relevant for varying cultures, genders, sexualities, and ethnicities.

Please hold for the ED and BDD integrated pathway that Han and I will dedicate our souls to providing.

For support see

• BDD foundation: https://bddfoundation.org

• BEAT ED: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

• Overcoming Body Image Problems Including Body Dysmorphic Disorder by Alex Clarke and Rob Willson