Body dysmorphic disorder involving the facial region: a report of 6 cases

Body dysmorphic disorder and psychological distress in orthognathic surgery patients

PURPOSE

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a distressing condition involving preoccupation with an imagined or exaggerated deformity. The purpose of our study was to investigate the presence of BDD and its comorbidity with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery (OS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present prospective study included 99 patients from the outpatient oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic at Stanford University who requested OS. The incidence of BDD, depression, anxiety, and OCD was assessed preoperatively using validated self-report measures. To determine the prevalence of Axis I psychological symptoms among patients, the descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed. P < .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

In our sample, 13 patients (13%) screened positive for BDD. We did not find any significant correlations between the presence of BDD and gender, race, age, or marital status. Depressive symptoms were reported by 42% of the patients, OCD symptoms by 29%, and mild, moderate, and severe anxiety by 14%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. Using Spearman correlations, we found significant correlations between BDD and anxiety, depression, and OCD (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest that the rates of BDD, depression, anxiety, and OCD are high in patients undergoing OS. Furthermore, we found a strong correlation between BDD and anxiety, OCD, and depression in these patients. Future studies are necessary to determine the postoperative changes in these psychological disorders and whether these changes are affected by having positive BDD screening results at baseline.

Body dysmorphic disorder and aesthetic dentistry

This paper outlines the features and presentation of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a psychological syndrome which results in patients seeking treatment for an imagined defect in appearance. The assessment of patients with suspected body dysmorphic disorder is outlined, as well as management strategies.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinicians working in the field of aesthetic dentistry should be aware that some patients presenting for treatment may have body dysmorphic disorder. Aesthetic dental treatment for such patients is not beneficial and carries some risks. Advice for clinicians on assessment and management is outlined.