Body dysmorphic disorder: Diagnostic challenges and current management

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance, causing significant dysfunction in daily life. BDD is often misdiagnosed due to patient concealment and its overlap with other mental health disorders. Increasing clinician awareness can overcome the diagnostic challenges presented by BDD. Early-onset BDD, particularly in adolescents, is associated with an increased risk of comorbidities and suicide. BDD may present with subthreshold symptoms before meeting full diagnostic criteria or before the patient discloses symptoms, creating an opportunity for earlier detection in primary and specialty care. Although first-line treatment consists of cognitive behavioral therapy and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, additional research and therapies are needed as many patients do not achieve full symptom remission. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis of BDD are vital for improving quality of life and optimizing long-term patient outcomes.