The analysis of a case of dysmorfophobia

A case history is presented of a 16 year old adopted girl, diagnosed as having dysmorfophobia and successfully treated by psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy, during which time much material for discussion and interpretation was provided by the patient's dreams. The psychodynamics of the case are explored. In this case, dysmorfophobia is seen as a facade covering up the patient's unconscious urge to yield to sexual temptation. Clinically, the case may be seen and classified as follows: It may be a syndrome or a cluster of symptoms that do not currently exist in the standard psychiatric nomenclature. The diagnosis of a personality trait disorder in a not yet fully structured personality might be a second alternative diagnosis. The author, however, is inclined to consider the case as "transitional" or "potential" emotional disturbance, in accordance with Edward Glover's views (4).