Body dysmorphic disorder

Abstract

Body dysmorphic disorder is one of the most difficult conditions to manage but a significant proportion of patients do respond to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is defined as a preoccupation with an “imagined” defect in one’s appearance. Alternatively, where there is a slight physical anomaly, then the person’s concern is markedly excessive. The preoccupation is associated with many time-consuming rituals such as mirror gazing or constant comparing. BDD patients have a distorted body image, which may be associated with bullying or abuse during childhood or adolescence. Such patients have a poor quality of life, are socially isolated, depressed, and at high risk of committing suicide. This group of drugs has helped to revolutionize the treatment of this common but disabling disorder of perceived body ugliness. Patients often show obsessional features, and depression is common. Ever present is a risk of suicide in these patients.