Body dysmorphic disorder in patients with skin conditions

Abstract

British Journal of DermatologyVolume 187, Issue 1 p. e51-e51 Plain Language Summary Body dysmorphic disorder in patients with skin conditions First published: 03 July 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.21285AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Linked Article: Schut et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:115–125. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition affecting about 2·5% of the general population. Patients with this condition are preoccupied with negative thoughts about their own appearance, which can have a negative impact on their daily lives. Skin diseases can cause problems with psychological wellbeing, possibly because of visible skin lesions making people feel self-conscious. BDD has been shown to affect patients with dermatological conditions, but there are no large studies including patients with different dermatological conditions and also people with healthy skin. This study included almost 8295 adult participants: 5487 patients with different skin conditions (56% women) recruited from dermatological outpatient departments at 22 clinics in 17 European countries, and 2808 people with healthy skin (66% women). Symptoms of BDD were measured using a questionnaire that patients completed themselves. In addition, patients were given a dermatological diagnosis by a dermatologist. It was shown that BDD symptoms were five times more common in patients with dermatological conditions than in people with healthy skin (11% versus 2%). Patients with certain conditions, for example those with excessive sweating, hair loss and vitiligo, had an even higher chance of having BDD symptoms. The study found that BDD symptoms occurred more frequently in younger people, in women, and people with higher psychological stress and with experience of stigmatization (being viewed in a negative way because of their condition). As BDD symptoms are common in patients with dermatological conditions, general practitioners and dermatologists should consider whether patients may have both BDD and appearance-related distress. If so, they should refer patients to an appropriate service for further assessment and management. Volume187, Issue1July 2022Pages e51-e51 RelatedInformation