The Mirror Lies: Unmasking BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder)

Today we peel back the layers of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) — a condition far beyond simple vanity. Host Gabe Howard and ADAA member expert Scott M. Granet tear apart the facade of BDD — a mental battle where the mirror becomes your worst enemy. This episode exposes a disorder that distorts reality, making you question every reflection. Forget cosmetic fixes — plastic surgery rarely provides salvation. Scott bares his soul, recounting his harrowing struggle from a college crisis over a few stray hairs to a lifelong fight against the obsessive compulsion to fix what isn’t really broken. With raw honesty and expert insights, this conversation dives into the complexities of living with BDD, highlighting the vital role of support systems and cognitive behavioral therapy. Whether you or someone you know battles inner demons or simply seeks a deeper understanding of mental health, this episode promises a captivating exploration of perception versus reality. Special thanks to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America for sponsoring this episode. “If you're somebody with BDD who has a problem with your physical appearance, your first thought is not going to be, I should go see a psychotherapist. Your first thought is probably going to be, I want to get this fixed. And even if they suspect they have a psychiatric problem, a major issue with BDD is that it's often considered a shame based disorder. There can be so much shame associated with this, to the point where people don't want to go for therapy and, you know, they're too embarrassed to tell somebody about this problem.” ~Scott M. Granet, LCSW Today's guest, Scott Granet, LCSW, specializes in the treatment of OCD and BDD. He has presented at numerous conferences worldwide and has taught continuing education classes at universities and other institutions throughout the U.S., including the Rutgers University School of Social Work, the UC Berkeley Extension, the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice and the NYU Silver School of Social Work. Mr. Granet is the author of “The Complete OCD Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Free Yourself from Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors” and “Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Mine and Yours: A Personal and Clinical Perspective.” Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.