Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Rate of body dysmorphic disorder in dermatology patients
K A Phillips1, R G Dufresne, C S Wilkel
1Butler Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Background:
Dermatologists appear to be the physicians most often seen by patients with the psychiatric condition body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a distressing or impairing preoccupation with a nonexistent or slight defect in appearance. The frequency of BDD among patients seeking dermatologic treatment is unknown, however.
Objective:
This study determined the percentage of patients seeking dermatologic treatment who screened positive for BDD.
Methods:
A validated self-report questionnaire and a reliable defect severity scale were used to determine the rate of BDD in 268 patients seeking dermatologic treatment.
Results:
A total of 11.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.0%-15.8%) of patients screened positive for BDD. Rates were similar in a community general dermatology setting (14.4% [95% CI, 8.5%-20.3%]) and a university cosmetic surgery setting (10. 0% [95% CI, 6.1%-13.9%]).
Conclusion:
BDD appears relatively common among patients seeking dermatologic treatment. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to assist dermatologists in identifying these potentially high-risk patients.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Bulimia Nervosa

