Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Women

Katharine A Phillips; Leah C Susser

doi:10.1016/j.psc.2023.04.007

Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Women

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2023 Sep;46(3):505-525. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.04.007. Epub 2023 Jun 1.

Authors

Katharine A Phillips¹, Leah C Susser²

Affiliations

¹ New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Psychiatry Specialty Center, 315 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065, USA. Electronic address: kap9161@med.cornell.edu.
² New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, Outpatient Department, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.

PMID: 37500247
DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.04.007

Abstract

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) consists of distressing or impairing preoccupation with perceived defects in physical appearance that are actually nonexistent or only slight. This common and often-severe disorder, which affects more women than men, frequently goes unrecognized. BDD is associated with marked impairment in functioning, poor quality of life, and high rates of suicidality. Most patients seek cosmetic treatment, which virtually never improves BDD symptoms. In contrast, serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, often at high doses, and cognitive behavioral therapy that is tailored to BDD's unique clinical features are often effective. This article provides a clinical overview of BDD, including BDD in women.

Keywords: Body dysmorphic disorder; Clinical features; Diagnosis; Gender; Perinatal; Reproduction; Treatment; Women.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Body Dysmorphic Disorders* / epidemiology
Body Dysmorphic Disorders* / psychology
Body Dysmorphic Disorders* / therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
Female
Humans
Male
Quality of Life
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
Suicidal Ideation

Substances

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors