Body dysmorphic disorder

Introduction:

Nature Disease Primer:

![Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an obsessive–compulsive disorder-related psychiatric condition characterized by an intense preoccupation with perceived physical flaws that are not observable by others. BDD affects ~2% of the adult population but is underdiagnosed, partly owing to limited clinician awareness, and undertreated, partly due to limited access to treatment. Research on the aetiology of BDD is scarce but likely involves an interplay between genetic and environmental factors. A few studies suggest functional and structural brain differences (compared with controls) in the regions involved in visual and emotional processing, although firm conclusions about the pathophysiology of the disorder cannot be made at this stage. Diagnosis requires the presence of repetitive behaviours or mental acts typically aimed at checking, correcting or concealing perceived flaws. The disorder typically has its onset before 18 years of age, with a female preponderance in youth but no major gender disparity in adults. Quality of life is markedly impaired across multiple domains and suicide risk is considerable. Evidence-based treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Body dysmorphic disorder. Nat Rev Dis Primers 10, 93 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-024-00584-0](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2aa05644-4658-4c26-84d3-64c36b55fb6c/20e6dc86-be27-4087-9d3b-e959f5a2c4d5/N_Body_dysmorphic_disorder_(BDD)_(2024).png)

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an obsessive–compulsive disorder-related psychiatric condition characterized by an intense preoccupation with perceived physical flaws that are not observable by others. BDD affects ~2% of the adult population but is underdiagnosed, partly owing to limited clinician awareness, and undertreated, partly due to limited access to treatment. Research on the aetiology of BDD is scarce but likely involves an interplay between genetic and environmental factors. A few studies suggest functional and structural brain differences (compared with controls) in the regions involved in visual and emotional processing, although firm conclusions about the pathophysiology of the disorder cannot be made at this stage. Diagnosis requires the presence of repetitive behaviours or mental acts typically aimed at checking, correcting or concealing perceived flaws. The disorder typically has its onset before 18 years of age, with a female preponderance in youth but no major gender disparity in adults. Quality of life is markedly impaired across multiple domains and suicide risk is considerable. Evidence-based treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Body dysmorphic disorder. Nat Rev Dis Primers 10, 93 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-024-00584-0