Kosmetische Medizin 3-2011: 122-125

Body Dysmorphic Disorders: an underestimated problem within aesthetic
dermatology patients

DANUTA NOWICKA, JACEK C. SZEPIETOWSKI

KEY WORDS: Body dysmorphic disorders, diagnosis, symptoms, psychiatric
treatment

Summary:
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) causes significant suffering and serious impairment in psychosocial functions. Most individuals do not acknowledge that their defect is minimal or nonexistent and seek out cosmetic treatments for a psychiatric disorder. Diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder can be difficult because the person often keeps his or her symptoms secret due to shame. The diagnosis is based on the symptoms. In addition to a medical history, a psychological and social history is also taken. Considering the high prevalence of BDD in dermatological and a aesthetic patients the training of professionals to diagnose, and refer these patients to adequate psychiatric treatment is essential.