The links between body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Eating Disorders Research

Background:

• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition involving obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance.
• The relationship between BDD and eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, requires further investigation.
• Understanding the temporal sequence of BDD symptoms in relation to eating disorders is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and duration of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) symptoms preceding the onset of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
• To assess the prevalence of BDD symptoms in a control group of healthy adolescent girls without eating disorders.

Main Methods:

• A study cohort of 93 girls aged 12-21 years was recruited, including 36 with anorexia nervosa, 17 with bulimia nervosa, and 40 healthy controls.
• The Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) with a BDD module was administered to assess diagnostic criteria.
• A novel questionnaire was used to identify preceding life events and symptom onset.

Main Results:

• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) symptoms were identified in 25% of girls with anorexia nervosa, persisting for at least six months before the emergence of clear eating disorder symptoms.
• Comorbid mental health disorders were frequently observed in patients with both BDD and anorexia nervosa.
• BDD symptoms were less prevalent in the control group of healthy girls without eating disorders.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest a significant overlap and potential precursor relationship between Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and anorexia nervosa.
• The results support the classification of BDD and anorexia nervosa within the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or affective disorders.
• Early identification of BDD symptoms in adolescents may be critical for preventing the development or exacerbation of eating disorders.