Mental Disorders: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (ie, obsessions) and repetitive mental acts or behaviors (ie, compulsions). Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a chronic preoccupation with perceived flaws in physical appearance that leads to repetitive behaviors (ie, rituals). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) (DSM-5) places both disorders under a new category, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, along with hoarding disorder, excoriation disorder, and trichotillomania. Both OCD and BDD cause marked distress and functional impairment in patients. They share similarities in terms of risk factors and comorbid conditions. Management of these disorders involves a thorough assessment of symptoms, suicidal ideation, and comorbid medical and mental health conditions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective therapy option for OCD. Pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be added for patients who do not improve with CBT only, or used as an initial treatment with or without CBT for patients with severe symptoms. For patients with BDD, initial treatments for monotherapy or combination therapy are SSRIs and/or CBT tailored to BDD. For patients with severe BDD or signs of suicidality, combination therapy should be used.