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ForwardWhen Perfectionism Takes Hold: A Comparative Look at OCD and BDD
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often overlap, yet BDD is frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or under-treated—especially when perfectionism and rigid self-evaluation dominate the clinical picture.
Clients may present with intense body image distress, compulsive checking or reassurance-seeking, avoidance behaviors, and an unrelenting fear of being “not enough,” all of which can complicate assessment and treatment planning.
In this webinar, Dina Nunziato, PhD, Chief Clinical Officer, and Rebecca Berman, LCSW, MLSP, CEDS-C, Clinical Director, will explore the intersection of OCD and BDD through a transdiagnostic lens. Drawing on their extensive clinical experience with adolescents and young adults, they will examine how perfectionism, intolerance of uncertainty, and distorted self-concept maintain symptoms across both disorders.
Participants will learn to differentiate BDD from related anxiety and mood disorders, recognize when OCD-driven processes are fueling body image concerns, and apply evidence-based interventions—including exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive restructuring, and values-based approaches—to effectively treat this complex presentation.
Target Audience
Psychologists, Social workers, counselors, mental health professionals
Learning Objectives
Differentiate obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), including key areas of diagnostic overlap and common misdiagnoses. Describe how perfectionism, intolerance of uncertainty, and maladaptive self-beliefs contribute to the development and maintenance of OCD- and BDD-related symptoms. Apply evidence-based treatment strategies, including exposure and response prevention (ERP), to effectively treat clients presenting with OCD, BDD, or co-occurring symptoms.
Rebecca Berman, LCSW, MLSP, CEDS-C, Clinical Director;Dina Nunziato, PhD, Chief Clinical Officer
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare and Anxiety Institute. AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. AKH Inc. Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 continuing education credits.
New York Social Workers
AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is recognized by the New York State Education Department' s State Board for Social
Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers
#SW-0233.
Awarded credit: 1.5 contact hour(s).
New York State Psychologists
AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare, is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists.
# PSY 0290
Awarded credit: 1.5 contact hour(s).