Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Body dysmorphic disorder, social anxiety and depressive symptoms in Chinese medical students
Yanhui Liao1, Natalie P Knoesen, Yunlong Deng
1Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
Aim:
This cross-sectional study explored the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction, body dysmorphic disorder, social anxiety and depressive symptoms in first-year medical students in China.
Methods:
A self-report survey design was employed, using the Body Shape Questionnaire, Swansea Muscularity Attitudes Questionnaire, Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire, Self-Rating Depression Scale and the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire. A total of 487 first-year medical students participated.
Results:
About one-third of participants (32.5%) indicated that they were very concerned about some aspect of their appearance unrelated to weight, with six female participants (1.3%) screening positive for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Those who displayed concern with their appearance (including those who did not screen positive for BDD) had higher levels of depressive and social anxiety symptoms than those who had no appearance concerns.
Related Concept Videos
Social Anxiety Disorder
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
