Welcome to the BDD Foundation

Support Letter to
take to your GP

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Support Letter to take to your GP

If you are not sure what to say to your GP, then we have created a letter (below) for you to take with you to your GP. You can print this below.

6 questions you could ask yourself before visiting your GP:

·	Do you worry a lot about the way you look and wish you could think about it less?
·	What specific concerns do you have about your appearance?
·	On a typical day, how many hours a day is it on your mind? (Consider over 1 hour excessive)
·	What effect does it have on your life?
·	Does it make it hard to do your work or be with your friends?
·	If you have BDD you should also be asked if you have thoughts about suicide.

Your GP may have little or no knowledge of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), you may therefore, have to tell your GP what BDD is, as well as describing what your symptoms are.

The condition can go unrecognised and undiagnosed by GPs, because people with BDD are often very secretive and reluctant to seek help, as they believe their 'defects' are real and they are afraid that others will agree with them.

BDD can often be misdiagnosed as depression, especially as people with BDD can become incredibly depressed as a result of their symptoms. The process of going to seek help and especially the thought of talking about your concerns can often be excruciatingly embarrassing. We strongly encourage you to overcome your embarrassment and visit your GP. You do not have to suffer with BDD all your life - BDD is treatable.