At the BDD Foundation, we aim to advance education and understanding of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). We provide vital support to those living with or affected by BDD, while championing research into BDD and its treatments. We are proud to be the world’s only charity dedicated solely to BDD. Although we are a UK-based, our reach and community are international.

At the BDD Foundation we achieve our mission through four key pillars of work:

• Providing Information
• Increasing Awareness
• Offering Support
• Supporting Research

Together at the BDD Foundation, we aim to:

• Raise awareness of 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 providing 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.
• Sharing information on relevant treatment options.
• Provide guidance on how to access and navigate support and treatment pathways for BDD.
• Support research into the understanding and treatment of BDD.
• Influence legislation & public policy which impacts people living with or affected by BDD.

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Our Purpose

Mission

We are the leading charity for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. We shine a light on a condition that is misunderstood by raising awareness, providing support and fostering community to shatter stigma and shame. We alleviate suffering and inspire hope – because we know recovery is possible.

Vision

We envision a world where Body Dysmorphic Disorder is truly understood, and everyone impacted has timely access to support, care, and treatment.

Values

• Hope – We inspire hope by showing that recovery is possible and that no one faces BDD alone.
• Community – We create a supportive and understanding community where those affected by BDD can connect and share experiences. We actively involve our community in shaping our work, ensuring we remain community-led and responsive to their needs.
• Compassion – We approach our work with compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those affected by BDD.
• Dedication – We are committed to raising awareness, providing support, and driving meaningful change to improve the lives of those affected by BDD.
• Pioneering – We champion innovative research and treatment options to create a better future for those with BDD.

Our Goals

At the BDD Foundation, we are working towards a future where:

• There is global awareness and understanding of BDD.
• Everyone experiencing or affected by BDD feels supported and understood.
• Everyone with BDD has access to timely diagnosis, high-quality and effective treatment and experiences improved outcomes.
• Families, carers, and loved ones of people with BDD are supported and equipped to help effectively.
• Everyone experiencing or affected by BDD feels a sense of connection & community.
• Everyone with BDD lives free from stigma, shame and suffering.
• Policies and systems effectively support, protect, and empower people with BDD.
• Research and understanding continues to advance and benefit those with BDD.
• People with lived experience of BDD shape systems, services, research, policy & public understanding. 
• Everybody with BDD is protected, safeguarded, and no lives are lost to BDD.
• Everyone with BDD can lead a fulfilling life.

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Our Impact

Explore our impact reports to see how we’re making a difference, driving change, and creating a better future for those affected by BDD.

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Our History

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 a Head of Operations to help run the day-to-day operations, a People and Projects Manager, E-helpline Manager and E-Helpline Coordinator as well as an excellent group of volunteers.

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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.

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Policies