Prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms and Body Weight Concerns in Patients Seeking Abdominoplasty

• Published in: Aesthetic surgery journal 2016-03, Vol.36 (3), p.324-332
• Main Authors: de Brito, Maria José Azevedo, Nahas, Fábio Xerfan, Cordás, Táki Athanássios, Gama, Maria Gabriela, Sucupira, Eduardo Rodrigues, Ramos, Tatiana Dalpasquale, Felix, Gabriel de Almeida Arruda, Ferreira, Lydia Masako
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abdominoplasty; Adult; Aged; Body Contouring; Body Dysmorphic Disorders - diagnosis; Body Dysmorphic Disorders - epidemiology; Body Dysmorphic Disorders - psychology; Body Image; Body Weight; Brazil - epidemiology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Prevalence; Severity of Illness Index; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1090-820X; 1527-330X
• DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjv213

Background Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is one of the most common psychiatric conditions found in patients seeking cosmetic surgery, and body contouring surgery is most frequently sought by patients with BDD. Objectives To estimate the prevalence and severity of BDD symptoms in patients seeking abdominoplasty. Methods Ninety patients of both sexes were preoperatively divided into two groups: patients with BDD symptoms (n = 51) and those without BDD symptoms (n = 39) based both on the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination (BDDE) and clinical assessment. Patients in the BDD group were classified as having mild to moderate or severe symptoms, according to the BDDE. Body weight and shape concerns were assessed using the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Results The prevalence of BDD symptoms was 57%. There were significant associations between BDD symptoms and degree of body dissatisfaction, level of preoccupation with physical appearance, and avoidance behaviors. Mild to moderate and severe symptoms of BDD were present in 41% and 59% of patients, respectively, in the BDD group. It was found that the more severe the symptoms of BDD, the higher the level of concern with body weight and shape (P < .001). Patients having distorted self-perception of body shape, or distorted comparative perception of body image were respectively 3.67 or 5.93 times more likely to show more severe symptoms of BDD than those with a more accurate perception. Conclusions Candidates for abdominoplasty had a high prevalence of BDD symptoms, and body weight and shape concerns were associated with increased symptom severity. Level of Evidence: 3 Diagnostic