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Weight concerns in individuals with body dysmorphic disorder
Jennifer E Kittler1, William Menard, Katharine A Phillips
1E.P. Bradley Hospital, 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI 02915, USA.
Eating Behaviors
|December 19, 2006
Summary
Nearly 30% of individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) have significant weight concerns. These concerns are linked to more severe BDD symptoms and other mental health issues.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance.
- While BDD often involves concerns about specific body areas, the prevalence and impact of weight concerns within BDD are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of clinically significant weight concerns among individuals diagnosed with BDD.
- To compare individuals with BDD who have weight concerns to those without, examining differences in symptomology, comorbidity, and functional outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 200 participants diagnosed with BDD was assessed for the presence of significant weight concerns.
- Statistical comparisons were made between participants with and without weight concerns across various measures including BDD symptom severity, other symptom severity, comorbidity, suicidality, functioning, and quality of life.
Main Results:
- Weight concerns were identified in 29.0% (58 out of 200) of the participants with BDD.
- Individuals with weight concerns were younger, more frequently female, and exhibited more body areas of concern.
- This subgroup also showed a higher incidence of specific BDD behaviors, suicide attempts, comorbid conditions, greater body image disturbance, depression, and poorer social functioning compared to those without weight concerns.
Conclusions:
- Weight concerns represent a significant and relatively common issue within the BDD population.
- The presence of weight concerns in BDD is associated with increased symptom severity and broader psychopathology, underscoring the need for further investigation and targeted interventions.
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