title: Body dysmorphic disorder among dermatologic patients: Prevalence and clinical features.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An impairing preoccupation with a nonexistent or slight defect in appearance is the core symptom of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a psychiatric condition common in dermatology settings.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to determine the prevalence of BDD in dermatologic patients, comparing general and cosmetic settings, and describing some demographic and clinical characteristics.
  
  
  METHODS
  In all, 300 patients were consecutively assessed. Screening and diagnoses were performed with validated instruments plus a best estimate diagnosis procedure. The final sample comprised 150 patients in the cosmetic group, 150 patients in the general dermatology group, and 50 control subjects. Standard statistical analyses were performed (chi(2), nonparametric tests, logistic regression).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The current prevalence was higher in the cosmetic group (14.0%) compared with general (6.7%) and control (2.0%) groups. No patient had a previous diagnosis. Frequently the reason for seeking dermatologic treatment was not the main BDD preoccupation. Patients with BDD from the cosmetic group were in general unsatisfied with the results of dermatologic treatments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cross-sectional study conducted in a university hospital is a limitation. It is uncertain if the findings can be generalized. Retrospective data regarding previous treatments are not free from bias.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BDD is relatively common in a dermatologic setting, especially among patients seeking cosmetic treatments. These patients have some different features compared with general dermatology patients. Dermatologists should be aware of the clinical characteristics of BDD to identify and refer these patients to mental health professionals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil. luconrado@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Luciana Archetti
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Conrado
authors.forename: Ana Gabriela
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Hounie
authors.forename: Juliana Belo
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Diniz
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Fossaluza
authors.forename: Albina Rodrigues
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Torres
authors.forename: Euripedes Constantino
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Miguel
authors.forename: Evandro Ararigboia
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Rivitti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D057215:Body Dysmorphic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D001828:Body Image; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires