Nonpsychiatric medical treatment of body dysmorphic disorder

Psychosomatics. 2005 Nov-Dec;46(6):549-55. doi: 10.1176/appi.psy.46.6.549.

Abstract

Many individuals with body dysmorphic disorder seek nonpsychiatric medical and surgical treatment to improve perceived defects in their physical appearance. However, the types of treatments sought and received, as well as the treatment outcome, have received little investigation. This study describes the frequency, types, and outcomes of treatments sought and received by 200 individuals with body dysmorphic disorder. Treatment was sought by 71.0% and received by 64.0%. Dermatological treatment was most frequently sought and received (most often, topical acne agents), followed by surgery (most often, rhinoplasty). Twelve percent of the subjects received isotretinoin. Such treatment rarely improved body dysmorphic disorder. Thus, nonpsychiatric medical treatments do not appear effective in its treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy
  • Adolescent
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isotretinoin / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Quality of Life
  • Rhinoplasty / statistics & numerical data
  • Social Adjustment
  • Somatoform Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Somatoform Disorders / psychology
  • Somatoform Disorders / surgery*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Isotretinoin