BDD Statistics
Whilst there is still more research needed into the development of BDD, symptoms and treatment, this page outlines what we know so far.
- It is estimated that 2% of the adult population are living with BDD. This is around 1 in 50, so 1,075,980 in the UK.
- However, this prevalence is thought to be underestimated due to the stigma and shame internalised by people with the condition – this also leads to an average of a 10-year delay from symptom onset to help seeking.
- There is no doubt that the symptoms cause significant distress or handicap and there is an increased risk of suicide and attempted suicide, with it being reported that suicidality is 45 times higher than that of the general population.
- A study in the US reported that 77% of people with BDD reported that their BDD symptoms had interfered moderately, severely, or extremely with occupational, academic, or role functioning over the course of their illness.
- A study in the UK showed that 50% of people with BDD were currently unemployed.
- In one study, almost 60% of young people (aged between 12 and 18) with a diagnosis of BDD were either not attending school at all or attending only sporadically.
- Around 30% of people with BDD will be housebound during the course of their illness.
- Encouragingly, as study has shown that the likelihood of recovery from BDD is relatively high at 76%, with a low recurrence rate of 14%
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Do I have BDD? Our test, developed by specialists and healthcare professionals, can help you understand whether someone might have Body Dysmorphic Disorder.