title: Body image dysmorphic disorder in persons who undergo aesthetic medical treatments.
abstract: This article reviews the literature on body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in patients who seek aesthetic surgery and other appearance-enhancing medical treatments such as dermatologic treatment. It begins with a discussion of the growing popularity of aesthetic medical treatments. The literature investigating the psychological characteristics of individuals interested in these treatments is highlighted. Studies suggest that 5% to 15% of individuals who seek these aesthetic medical treatments suffer from BDD. Retrospective reports suggest that persons with BDD rarely experience improvement in their symptoms following these treatments, leading some to suggest that BDD is a contraindication to treatment. The article ends with a discussion of the clinical management of patients with BDD who present for an aesthetic change in their appearance.
authors.affiliation: Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 19104, USA. dsarwer@mail.med.upenn.edu
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Sarwer
authors.forename: Jacqueline C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Spitzer
mesh_terms: D057215:Body Dysmorphic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001828:Body Image; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D009042:Motivation; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018579:Patient Selection; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome