The BDD Foundation

Since 2006, we have been dedicated to the relief of suffering from Body Dysmorphia Disorder. Together, we can change lives.

We aim to advance education and understanding of BDD. We support research into BDD and its treatments. Whilst we are based in the UK, our reach is international and we are proud to be the only charity for BDD in the world.

Together, we aim to:

Raise awareness about BDD.
Advance the education of the public and healthcare professionals, supporting them to understand the nature of BDD and how it might best be treated.
Relieve suffering from BDD through support and high-quality information.
Reduce stigma, discrimination and isolation caused by BDD.
Help develop a sense of community for people affected by BDD. This includes individuals with BDD, their families, friends, partners and carers.
Provide information on relevant treatment options.
Support research into the understanding and treatment of BDD.

Our history and achievements

The BDD Foundation began in 2006 by Ruth Ryan assisted by Stuart Chandler and Matt Chappel and Stephen Hosking as a website providing information about BDD. It was set up by a small group of individuals with BDD but they were unable to keep it going. The current trustees resurrected the brand and registered it as a charity in September 2013.

Today, we have an operations manager to help run the day-to-day operations, as well as an excellent group of volunteers.

Since 2006, we have achieved the following:

An up-to-date, informative and well-maintained website, servicing people from across the world.
An active social media presence with a strong following.
Working with the media to raise awareness.
A growing number of support groups, also run online
Three Conferences held in central London (2015, 2016, 2019). 2015 was the World’s First International Conference on BDD.
Eye-catching and informative films on BDD: ‘Because I’m Ugly‘ (2019) and ‘You are Not Alone‘ (2015)
Shortlisted for RCPSYCH Communicator of the Year Award 2016 and for Mind Media Award 2016: Bigorexia (BBC).
Published our first book: Reflections on Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Stories of Courage, Determination and Hope.
A Pilot Project developed in 2018 that continues to thrive: Structured Support Groups providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for BDD in a group context.
Expansion of our trustee board, patrons and associates.
Resources created for the education of BDD in schools, although the wider Schools Project has been put on hold due to the global pandemic.
The Beating BDD Podcast featuring interviews with therapists who specialise in researching and treating BDD, as well as with people who are recovering from the disorder.
Our Lockdown Webinars series held during all the three national lockdowns during the global pandemic.
An Email Helpline to provide emotional support, information and signposting to the community.

Our Constitution

We were registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO) in September 2013. A CIO is a new incorporated form of a charity, which is not a limited company, or subject to company regulation. It does, however, have limited liability.