Year: 1991 Source: American Journal of Psychiatry, v.148, no.9, (September 1991), p.1138-1149 SIEC No: 19911284

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a preoccupation with an imagined physical defect, has been neglected by US psychiatrists. BDD can lead to social isolation, occupational dysfunction, unnecessary cosmetic surgery & suicide. The most commonly associated psychiatric disorder appears to be depression. Although a definitive treatment does not exist, preliminary evidence suggests that serotonergic antidepressants may be useful. The relationship of BDD to other psychiatric disorders is unclear.