BERLIN — European guidelines now in press for the diagnosis and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a condition defined largely by abnormal perceptions about — and behavior surrounding personal appearance, were outlined in a late-breaker presentation at the annual Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
The development of guidelines for BDD, a disorder familiar to many clinical dermatologists, is intended as a practical tool, according to Maria-Angeliki Gkini, MD, who has appointments at both Bart’s Health NHS Trust in London and the 401 General Army Hospital in Athens.
"BDD is a relatively common disorder in which the patients are preoccupied with a perceived defect or defects," Dr. Gkini explained. "This affects them so intensely that it affects their mental health and their quality of life."
In the DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association, BDD is specifically defined as a preoccupation with "one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others." But Dr. Gkini said that BDD can also develop as a comorbidity of dermatological disorders that are visible.
These patients are challenging because they are difficult to please, added Dr. Gkini, who said they commonly become involved in doctor shopping, leaving negative reviews on social media for the clinicians they have cycled through.
