Body dysmorphic disorder: recognition and treatment

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is classified as a somatoform disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-IV-TR (DSM-IV-TR) (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). According to the DSM-IV-R, BDD is characterized as a preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance. If a slight physical anomaly exists, the person's concern is markedly excessive and this preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. This diagnosis is most appropriately used when symptoms associated with this dissatisfaction with the body shape and size are not better explained by an eating disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).