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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Body dysmorphic disorder and nonweight-related body image concerns in individuals with eating disorders
Ines Kollei1, Katharina Schieber, Martina de Zwaan
1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Germany. ines.kollei@uk-erlangen.de
Objective:
Research on the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in individuals with eating disorders (EDs) is scarce. Nonweight-related appearance concerns, which can be considered as variants of BDD concerns, have also rarely been examined in EDs. This study therefore investigates BDD prevalence and nonweight-related appearance concerns in EDs.
Method:
One hundred individuals with EDs (49 inpatients with anorexia nervosa, 51 inpatients with bulimia nervosa) completed structured diagnostic interviews and self-report questionnaires.
Results:
Twelve individuals with EDs (12.0%) suffered from comorbid BDD, with their body dysmorphic concerns being unrelated to weight and shape. BDD lifetime-prevalence was 15.0%. There was a high prevalence of dissatisfaction with nonweight-related body features such as skin, hair, teeth, nose, and height (20.8 to 53.5%).
Discussion:
Findings indicate that BDD is a frequent comorbid disorder in individuals with EDs. Furthermore, along with weight and body shape, nonweight-related appearance concerns are also common in individuals with EDs.
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