BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER

Body dysmorphic disorder is one of the most difficult conditions to ma nage but a significant proportion of patients do respond to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This group of drugs has helped to revol utionize the treatment of this common but disabling disorder of percei ved body ugliness. The condition may affect up to 1% of the population in the United States. Patients often show obsessional features, and d epression is common. Ever present is a risk of suicide in these patien ts.