ADHD, Neurodivergency and the Correlation with BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder)

In this episode I talk about the correlation between neurodivergency and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).

I ran a webinar recently with BDD specialist Dr Lauren Peile for the BDD foundation (the only charity dedicated to supporting people with BDD) and found out that 80% of the children in the BDD specialist unit in London were neurodivergent.

I have cared for an adolescent for a number of years with BDD and helped them through extensive therapy. I also have another close family member with BDD. And we are a neurodivergent family. So although there still needs to be more research on this there is a clear correlation of some kind.

This made me even more aware of how this information needs to be common knowledge in the neurodivergent community.

But neurodivergent or not, It’s always good to be aware of what BDD is, the signs of BDD and how to best support a young person with BDD. The effects can be devastating – but the good news is that recovery is possible.

As a neurodivergent yourself it’s likely you have neurodivergent children. You probably already know how OCD, anxiety, depression and eating disorders might present themselves, but what about BDD? And with estimates that up to 2% of the population suffer with BDD, often suffering an average of 10 years before seeking treatment, it’s clear it’s also highly prevalent.

In this episode I share:

• What BDD looks like (and what it’s not)
• How to talk to your child about BDD if you suspect they may be showing signs
• The treatment options for BDD
• How to navigate recovery from BDD and what it looks like
• Where to get help and advice for BDD (lots of links are below with further resources)
• The best things you can do as a parent or carer to support a child (or even friend) with BDD

Whether you’re ADHD, Autistic, or have any other neurodivergence, being aware of the signs of BDD is really important so that you can intervene early.

For screening tests and further support head to the BDD Foundation's website: https://bddfoundation.org/

To listen to the webinar with me and Dr Peile on YouTube for Parents and Carers of children with BDD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1XTtm1eTRc

To join my private Facebook support group for parents and carers of children with BDD: https://www.facebook.com/