Body dysmorphic disorder in patients who seek appearance-enhancing medical treatments.
Most patients who seek appearance-enhancing medical treatments report some degree of body image dissatisfaction, which is believed to motivate the pursuit of these treatments. However, patients with extreme body image dissatisfaction may be suffering from a psychiatric disorder known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This article reviews BDD, including its clinical features and prevalence in medical settings. Although patients with BDD frequently seek cosmetic treatments to address their appearance-related distress, such treatments are rarely beneficial. The article concludes with recommendations for patient and provider safety.
Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Edwin and Fannie Gray Hall Center for Human Appearance, The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 10 Penn Tower, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. dsarwer@mail.med.upenn.edu
David B
DB
Sarwer
Canice E
CE
Crerand
Leanne
L
Magee
D057215:Body Dysmorphic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D001828:Body Image; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors