Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms among patients with acne vulgaris.
BACKGROUND
Acne is one of the most common concerns of patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a psychiatric condition defined as a preoccupation with a slight or imagined defect in appearance that causes significant disruption in daily functioning.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to screen for BDD symptoms among patients with acne across a spectrum of acne severity.


METHODS
We used a validated self-report questionnaire and an objective assessment of acne severity by a single observer.


RESULTS
Rates of BDD ranged from 14.1% using more stringent criteria to assess acne severity to 21.1% using less stringent criteria. Two-fold increased odds of having BDD was seen in patients requiring systemic isotretinoin therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Cross-sectional study design is a limitation.


CONCLUSIONS
A significant proportion of patients, regardless of their acne severity at the time of examination, have substantial distress and preoccupation related to their facial appearance.
Bowe
Whitney P
WP
Department of Dermatology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, USA.
Leyden
James J
JJ
Crerand
Canice E
CE
Sarwer
David B
DB
Margolis
David J
DJ
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D015474:Isotretinoin