Imagined ugliness: Body dysmorphic disorder from a psychological view

Background: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterized by an excessive and distressful preoccupation with an imagined defect in physical appearan ce. Objective: The current knowledge about this disorder is reviewed. Metho d: The findings of recent research on BDD are examined. Results: Currently classified as a somatoform disorder, BDD also shares similarities with othe r disorders defined as obsessive-compulsive spectrum. It is probably more c ommon than generally realized. High comorbidity rates have been found with depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. With regard to its e tiology, somatic and cognitive-behavioral theories are presented. Prelimina ry results of treatment studies indicate that cognitive-behavioral approach es might be effective in reducing symptoms. Conclusion: The fragmentary und erstanding of the etiology and the development of treatment approaches migh t be improved using research methods of clincial and experimental psycholog y.