🧠 Episode Summary: Struggling with feeling ugly, ashamed, or alone? In this episode, Dr. Sony Khemlani-Patel shares insights from 25+ years of treating OCD and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Discover how BDD affects self-worth, why it’s often misunderstood, and what real recovery looks like.     🔍 What You’ll Learn: • How Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) differs from body image issues and eating disorders• Why people with BDD often suffer in silence—and what keeps them from speaking up• The impact of social media, AI, and perfection culture on self-perception• Real-life insights from clinical practice, including powerful patient stories• How shame, trauma, and brain biology intertwine in BDD• What therapy approaches work best—and how to break the comparison cycle• How to recognize the signs of BDD and take the first step toward healing   ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:[00:00:23] Introduction to the episode[00:01:48] BDD vs Body Image vs Eating Disorder: Understanding the Differences[00:03:36] Eating Disorders and BDD: How They Overlap and What Makes Them Different[00:05:10] BDD and Distorted Perception: Seeing Flaws That Aren’t Really There[00:05:51] Is BDD in the Brain? The Biological Side of the Disorder[00:06:53] Best Real-Life Example of BDD in Everyday Life[00:07:26] Hyperfocusing: When the Brain Locks Onto Details and You Zoom Out[00:07:53] The Patient Who Was a Photographer: A Unique BDD Story[00:08:25] What to Say When Someone’s “Flaw” Isn’t Just in Their Head[00:09:46] Is BDD Caused by Trauma or Is it Something Else?[00:10:52] Understanding the Gap Between Appearance and Body Image[00:12:07] Looking in the Mirror: Carrying the Weight of Childhood and Environment[00:12:53] Spotting BDD in Yourself: Key Warning Signs and Actions[00:15:36] What Percentage of People with BDD Experience Suicidal Thoughts?[00:16:08] Why People Hide Their BDD from Doctors and Loved Ones[00:17:13] The Comparison Trap: AI, Social Media, and Unrealistic Perfection[00:19:04] How to Stop Comparing Yourself and Find Peace[00:19:59] What Therapy Works Best for BDD? Expert Recommendations[00:21:44] Managing Heavy Emotions and Shame in BDD Treatment[00:23:13] Closing Reflections and Final Thoughts   🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned: 🎁 Free Download: https://shorturl.at/KcTxM 📓 OCD Journal: https://shorturl.at/7pUxB   ✅Bio Behavioral Institute: 👉Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bio.behavioral/ 👉Website - www.biobehavioralinstitute.com   👤 About the Host: The OCD Whisperer Podcast is hosted by Kristina Orlova, LMFT, a licensed therapist who has helped hundreds of clients with OCD and anxiety using ERP, ACT, and ICBT.   🌐 Learn more: www.korresults.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer 📧 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/KcTxM   🎧 Subscribe & Follow: Never miss an episode! 🟢 Spotify → https://shorturl.at/k5kEq 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://shorturl.at/C30wn 📻 All platforms → https://ocdwhisperer.podbean.com/ 🔔 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@OCDWhisperer   ⚠️Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   © OCD Whisperer