Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a common, yet typically under-recognised and challenging to treat condition. This talk gives a whistle-stop tour of what BDD is, highlighting the common issues clinicians face when assessing and treating BDD and how to overcome these. We will draw on clinical experience and the evidence-base to help increase knowledge and confidence in working with this condition.
About the Speakers
Dr Bruce Clark Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist & Clinical Director for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinical Academic Group and Honorary Researcher at The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience
Dr Clark joined the National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorders Clinic at The Maudsley Hospital, London in 2013. He is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist with an interest in treatment resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and related disorder. The National and Specialist Team for OCD, BDD and Related Disorders is the only such specialist team in the United Kingdom. This service has an international reputation for innovation, research and delivery of the treatment of OCD, BDD and other related disorders.
Dr Clark has a broad range of child and adolescent mental health experience. He previously worked in one of the South London and Maudsley’s community mental health teams. He has an interest in the assessment and management of Autism Spectrum Disorders, OCD, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, as well as behavioural management issues. Dr Clark has considerable experience in the use of medications to support the treatment of mental health issues in children and young people. His most recent publication is in The Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines section on childhood OCD.
Dr Amita Jassi Consultant Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist, National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorder Service for Children and Young People, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust
Dr Amita Jassi is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorder Service for Children and Young People (South London and Maudsley NHS Trust). She has worked with this client group for over 12 years. Amita is the lead for the BDD branch of the service as well as the research lead for the clinic. In her clinical role, she develops and delivers individually-tailored treatment packages, including intensive, home-based and inpatient treatment, as well as offering consultation and joint work with clinicians around the country.
Amita has taught and trained nationally and internationally on child and adolescent OCD and BDD. She is the author of several books including ‘Can I tell you about OCD?’, ‘OCD in Autism: a clinician’s guide to adapting CBT’ and upcoming book ‘Appearance Anxiety: a guide to understanding body dysmorphic disorder for young people, families and professionals’. She has published several papers in peer reviewed journals on OCD and BDD and engages in media work to increase awareness and understanding of these conditions.