Body Dysmorphic Disorder Among Young Individuals: Prevalence and Psychological Correlates.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a growing concern in young adults, exacerbated by social media.
• Urban environments and digital media intensify appearance-related pressures, impacting mental well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of BDD among 18-25 year olds in Vadodara.
• To investigate the association of BDD with cognitive-behavioral patterns, comorbidities, and social media influence.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study utilizing validated self-report questionnaires.
• Assessed BDD symptoms, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation, and digital media use.
• Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square, correlation, and regression.

Main Results:

• Approximately 10% of participants screened positive for BDD.
• BDD group showed significantly higher levels of psychological distress and negative social media impact (p < 0.05).
• BDD severity correlated positively with psychological distress, supporting a cognitive-behavioral model; social media use reinforced negative self-perception.

Conclusions:

• Early identification of BDD in academic and primary care settings is vital.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy, media literacy, and screening are recommended interventions.
• A multidisciplinary approach is essential for improving mental health outcomes and reducing cosmetic procedures.