Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an excessive preoccupation with an
imagined, or real, slight defect in normal physical appearance. The disorder,
which usually begins during adolescence, tends to be chronic, and
probably is much more common than is usually thought. This review
presents an overview of the available scientific literature of BDD. It
provides information about historical aspects, epidemiology, clinical
features, aetiology, and instruments for assessing BDD. The relationship of
BDD with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders
and personality disorders is discussed. Aetiological theories, including
psychological and neurobiological explanations, are reviewed. Finally,
psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment approaches are
presented with special regard to treatment with serotonin-reuptake
inhibitors, behavioural therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy.
Cognitive behavioural therapy reduced symptoms in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorders with no overt compulsive rituals