Objective: To analyze the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in a general otolaryngology population presenting to an outpatient clinic.
Study design: Prospective prevalence study.
Setting: Single tertiary academic otolaryngology clinic.
Subject and methods: New patients over 18 years of age who presented to an academic otolaryngology clinic between August 2018 and May 2021 completed a questionnaire including demographic questions and the validated Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ). Data collected from the questionnaires were analyzed to assess demographics and prevalence of BDD in an otolaryngology clinic.
Results: Of the 242 patients queried, 15 patients screened positive for BDD. The screened prevalence of BDD was determined to be 6.2%. None of the patients had previously been diagnosed with BDD. The prevalence of prior mental health diagnoses was 34.3%. These patients had initially presented for a variety of otolaryngologic concerns and had pre-existing diagnoses of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive, bipolar and eating disorders.
Conclusion: The prevalence of BDD in our population of new patients presenting to an academic otolaryngology practice (6.2%) is higher than that of the general population (1.9%).
Keywords: body dysmorphic disorder; head and neck surgery; otolaryngology; prevalence.