BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER - A RAISING CONCERN IN DERMATOLOGY

Abstract

In modern societies, as beauty and youth are paired with success, patients driven by aesthetic concerns involving skin and body imperfections are raisingly common in the daily practice of Dermatology. Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD), also known as dismorphophobia, is a frequent psychiatric condition characterized by an excessive dis- tress from minimal or inexistent physical defects, resulting in severe emotional, social and professional disabilities and compulsive behaviors aimed to correct or hide these defects (excessive acquisition of hats or scarves, abusive and un- satisfactory application of makeup products, obsessive verification of the mirror image, skin picking, and consecutive requests of cosmetic surgical procedures). Being unaware of the true nature of their condition, BDD patients commonly seek for Dermatology, Plastic Surgery or Dentistry clinics. In fact, the prevalence of BDD within dermatological patients is estimated at 2,9-29,4%, being significantly higher than in general population (1-2%). Considering that cosmetic procedures are rarely beneficial in this setting, dermatologists should be aware of this frequent condition and be able to identify BDD patients, as referral to psychiatric care is of extreme importance.

KEYWORDS – Body Dysmorphic Disorders; Body Image; Plastic Surgery.