Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Diagnosis requires comprehensive clinical evaluation exploring appearance concerns, time spent on preoccupation and compulsive behaviors, degree of distress, and functional impairment. Dr. Farkas conducts thorough 60-90 minute assessments using evidence-based diagnostic criteria to ensure accurate diagnosis and distinguish BDD from social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or normal appearance concern. This evaluation identifies any co-occurring mental health conditions and establishes a baseline for treatment planning.

Medication Management for BDD

SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line medications for BDD, typically requiring higher doses than standard depression treatment. Dr. Farkas selects medications based on your symptom presentation and medical history, regularly monitoring effectiveness and side effects. The goal is significant symptom reduction: decreased intrusive thoughts about appearance, reduced compulsive behaviors like mirror checking or reassurance-seeking, and improved social and occupational functioning.

Behavioral Therapy Coordination

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard psychological treatment for BDD. Dr. Farkas coordinates with therapists specializing in BDD to ensure medication and therapy work synergistically. ERP involves gradually facing appearance-related anxiety while resisting compulsive behaviors like mirror checking, skin picking, or reassurance-seeking.

"No Harm" Medication Philosophy

Treatment success requires both symptom relief and preserved quality of life. Dr. Farkas actively manages medication side effects, regularly assesses whether each medication is serving your goals, and adjusts treatment as needed. Many BDD patients also benefit from recognition and treatment of the relationship between appearance preoccupation and underlying mood or anxiety symptoms.

Schedule Your Comprehensive Evaluation

Contact Dr. Farkas to schedule your comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. New patient appointments typically available within 2-4 weeks. During your first appointment, Dr. Farkas will explore your appearance preoccupation thoroughly, establish accurate diagnosis distinguishing BDD from related conditions, assess functional impact on work and relationships, and develop personalized treatment plan incorporating both medication and therapy.

Medication and Therapy Planning

Based on your evaluation, Dr. Farkas discusses treatment options combining psychiatric medication management with therapy referral. For BDD, medication combined with behavioral therapy yields best outcomes. All recommendations explained clearly, with your preferences and values incorporated into decision-making process.

Ongoing Care & Optimization

Once treatment initiated, regular follow-up appointments monitor your response to medication, assess symptom improvement using standardized measures, and adjust treatment as needed. Dr. Farkas maintains ongoing communication with your therapist ensuring coordinated care. You have continued psychiatric support throughout your treatment and sustained symptom improvement.