Body dysmorphic disorder: case report

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Medical Psychology
• Somatic Symptom Disorders

Background:

• Self-mutilation typically indicates underlying psychopathology, including depression, schizophrenia, or body dysmorphic disorder.
• Requests for surgical alteration of genitalia are uncommon, especially without diagnosed mental health conditions.

Observation:

• A case study of a 29-year-old Kenyan woman desiring labia minora reduction to feel 'normal' is presented.
• This case differs from traditional female genital mutilation, focusing on aesthetic modification for perceived normalcy.

Findings:

• The patient's desire for genital modification stemmed from a feeling of abnormality, not typical female genital mutilation practices.
• Management presented unique challenges due to the absence of clear psychopathology and the specific nature of the request.

Implications:

• This case highlights the complexity of body image and identity, even in the absence of overt psychiatric disorders.
• Further research into the etiology of non-pathological self-mutilation and body modification desires is warranted.