The BDD Family: Coping with Body Dysmorphic Disorder in a Peer Support Group

If you ask yourself this question, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), an underrecognized mental health condition that causes individuals to feel ugly and disfigured when they actually appear normal or attractive to others.

The BDD Family explores the support exchanged in a virtual BDD community. Members shared feelings of intense shame, fear, anger, and guilt kept hidden from their friends, family members, partners, and therapists. Their stories may resonate with what you endure every day. Members provided advice and information about coping with symptoms, getting diagnosed, and seeking treatment. They formed friendships, provided emotional support, and became part of the global BDD family.