Primary care
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Review Case Reports
Body dysmorphic disorder: a guide for primary care physicians.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in appearance, is a relatively common psychiatric disorder that often presents to nonpsychiatric physicians. Body dysmorphic disorder is associated with marked impairment in functioning, notably poor quality of life, and a high suicide attempt rate. ⋯ In contrast, psychiatric treatment, serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and cognitive-behavioral therapy, often are effective. This clinically focused review describes the clinical features and prevalence of BDD, the disorder's treatment response, how to recognize and diagnose BDD, and practical suggestions for primary care physicians who encounter these often difficult-to-treat patients.