dismorph

BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER

Nonverbal disability. 1. An obsessive preoccupation with perceived bodily defects. 2. Repetitive behaviors in response to this preoccupation.

Rate. "The rate of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in inpatient psychiatric settings and the nature of the presenting complaints are unknown. Because of the shame and humiliation that BDD patients suffer, we hypothesized that, unless specifically screened for at the time of admission, BDD would be underdiagnosed in psychiatric inpatients. . . . . Sixteen (13.1%) of the 122 subjects were diagnosed with BDD. None of the subjects with BDD had been diagnosed with BDD by their treating physician during hospitalization. All 16 subjects reported that they would not raise the issue with their physician unless specifically asked due to feelings of shame" (Grant et al. 2001:517).

Neuro-notes. Clomipramine, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, may better reduce symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (which is likely related to obsessive-compulsive disorder) than might desipramine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, according to a report in the November 1999 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.

See also NONVERBAL LEARNING DISORDER.