"Some days I do have bad days where I feel terrible and don't want to leave the house. But I do. That's the difference now," she said.
There is no known cure for BDD, but researchers say patients can live normal, productive lives if they receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Bata, who was diagnosed more than a year ago, says he's feeling better. He remains in treatment, is applying to colleges and says he's ready to take on the world, one step at a time.
"I've been doing more exercise, going out more, talking to friends, doing more things for me than things for BDD … Before I was 95 percent certain that I was hideous-looking. Now I'm 45 percent certain that I'm hideous," he said. "Maybe one day that will be zero."
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