Body dysmorphic disorder a survey of fifty cases

Author(s): Boocock, A., Gournay, K., Dryden, W., Shah, F., Wilson, R., Walburn, J.

Journal/Book: Br J Psychiatry. 1996; 169: British Journal of Psychiatry, 17 Belgrave Square, London, England SW1X 8PG. Royal College of Psychiatrists. 196-201.

Abstract: Background. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) consists of a preoccupation with an 'imagined' defect in appearance which causes significant distress or impairment in functioning. There has been little previous research into BDD. This study replicates a survey from the USA in a UK population and evaluates specific measures of BDD. Method. Cross-sectional interview survey of 50 patients who satisfied DSM-IV criteria for BDD as their primary disorder. Results. The average age at onset was late adolescence and a large proportion of patients were either single or divorced. Three-quarters of the sample were female. There was a high degree of comorbidity with the most common additional Axis I diagnosis being either a mood disorder (26%), social phobia (16%) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (6%). Twenty-four per cent had made a suicide attempt in the past. Personality disorders were present in 72% of patients, the most common being paranoid, avoidant and obsessive-compulsive. Conclusions. BDD patients had a high associated comorbidity and previous suicide attempts. BDD is a chronic handicapping disorder and patients are not being adequately identified or treated by health professionals.

Note: Article D Veale, Grovelands Priory Hosp, the Bourne, London N14 6RA, England

Keyword(s): THERAPY

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