Body dysmorphic disorder

Abstract

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