Relationship between body dysmorphic disorder, depression, and malocclusion severity in adolescents

To investigate the relationship between body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), orthodontic parameters, and the level of depression.

A total of 205 adolescents (142 females, 63 males; aged 12-18) completed the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Orthodontic parameters, including skeletal malocclusion type, maxillary and mandibular anterior crowding, and Index of Treatment Need (IOTN) scores, were recorded. Associations were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

BDDQ positivity was observed in 69.8% (n = 143) of participants. BDDQ-positive individuals had significantly higher BDI scores compared to BDDQ-negative individuals (P < .001). No significant group differences were found in terms of age, crowding, IOTN scores, or skeletal malocclusion type. However, correlation analysis showed a weak but statistically significant negative association between malocclusion type and BDDQ positivity (r = -0.146, P = .042), and a moderate positive correlation between BDDQ positivity and BDI scores (r = 0.317, P < .001).

BDD was significantly associated with depression levels. Although most orthodontic variables showed no direct relationship with BDD, malocclusion type demonstrated a weak but significant correlation.