Analysis of clinical-epidemiological particularities of body dismorphic disorder

Abstract

Introduction. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a distressing body image disorder that involves excessive preoccupation with physical appearance in a normal appearing person. Patients with body dismorphic disorder have high rates of psychiatric hospitalization, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Although any part of the body may be the focus of patient’s concern, preoccupation with the appearance of skin, hair, and nose are most common. Typical associated behaviors include skin picking, mirror checking, and camouflaging (e.g., with a hat or makeup). Reassurance seeking is another common behavior that can be enacted with surgeons and dermatologists.