More Than a Mirror: Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Body image distress is something many people experience, whether you live in San Diego, California, NYC, or London, England, UK. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is something deeper—and far more consuming. It’s a condition that often flies under the radar, particularly for fat folks, neurodivergent individuals, and humans whose appearance concerns aren’t taken seriously by medical or mental health systems. In this blog post, adapted from a recent Dr. Marianne-Land podcast episode, we’ll explore what BDD really is, how it overlaps with and differs from eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, and how compassionate, trauma-informed treatment can help.