Clinical Features Of Body Dysmorphic Disorder Research Articles

Body dysmorphic symptoms: Phenomenology and ethnicity

Differences in the presentation of clinical features of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) across ethnic groups have received little investigation. The current study assessed BDD symptoms in an ethnically diverse sample of adults ( n = 401) using an online survey. Participants completed self-report measures assessing BDD symptoms, body parts of concern and BDD behaviors. Compared to Caucasian participants, no significant differences were found in body parts or behaviors reported by Latino or African American participants. Significant group differences did emerge between Asian and Caucasian participants. Specifically, Asians reported more concern with straight hair and dark skin and fewer body shape concerns than Caucasians. Asians also endorsed lower rates of grooming, touching body parts, and camouflaging and higher rates of exercise compared to Caucasians. Although most clinical features of BDD appear similar across ethnic groups, results showed some differences in body parts and behaviors between Caucasians and Asian Americans with BDD symptoms.

The prevalence and clinical features of body dysmorphic disorder in college students: a study in a Turkish sample.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) consists of a preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in appearance, which causes significant distress or impairment in functioning. There has been little previous research about the prevalence and clinical features of BDD in different cultures. This study aimed to find the rate and the clinical features of BDD among 420 female college students in Turkey. A self-report questionnaire was used to determine the subjects' body dissatisfactions and compulsive behaviors. BDD was diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria. In this study, 43.8% of the subjects were dissatisfied with their appearance and 4.8% of all subjects were diagnosed with BDD. Head/face area and hips were the most common areas of concern. The results of this study suggested that body dissatisfaction and BDD among Turkish college students are not rare.

Gender differences in body dysmorphic disorder.

Gender differences in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) have received little investigation. This study assessed gender differences in 188 subjects with BDD who were evaluated with instruments to assess demographic characteristics, clinical features of BDD, treatment history, and comorbid Axis I disorders. Ninety-three (49%) subjects were women, and 95 (51%) were men. Men and women did not significantly differ in terms of most variables examined, including rates of major depression, although women were more likely to be preoccupied with their hips and their weight, pick their skin and camouflage with makeup, and have comorbid bulimia nervosa. Men were more likely to be preoccupied with body build, genitals, and hair thinning, use a hat for camouflage, be unmarried, and have alcohol abuse or dependence. Although men were as likely as women to seek nonpsychiatric medical and surgical treatment, women were more likely to receive such care. Men, however, were as likely as women to have cosmetic surgery. Although the clinical features of BDD appear remarkably similar in women and men, there are some differences, some of which reflect those found in the general population, suggesting that cultural norms and values may influence the content of BDD symptoms.