
Dr Michaël BOHBOT  Page 5  22/10/2009 
English abstract: 
 
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) (previously known as Dysmorphophobia and 
sometimes referred to as Body dysmorphia or Dysmorphic syndrome) is a mental 
disorder in which the affected person is excessively concerned and preoccupied by 
a perceived defect in his or her physical features. 
The sufferer may complain of several specific features or a single feature, or a 
vague feature or general appearance, causing psychological distress that impairs 
occupational and/or social functioning, sometimes to the point of severe 
depression, severe anxiety, development of other anxiety disorders, social 
withdrawal or complete social isolation, and more. It is estimated that 1–2% of the 
world's population meets all the diagnostic criteria for BDD. 
The exact cause or causes of BDD differ from person to person, however but most 
clinicians believe it could be a combination of genetic and environmental factors 
from their past or present.  
Onset of symptoms generally occurs in adolescence or early adulthood, where most 
personal criticism of one's own appearance usually begins, although cases of BDD 
onset in children and older adults is not unknown. BDD is often misunderstood to 
affect mostly women, but research shows that it affects equally men and women. 
The disorder is linked to significantly diminished quality of life and co-morbid major 
depressive disorder and social phobia. With a completed-suicide rate more than 
double than that of major depression, and a suicidal ideation rate of around 80%, 
BDD is considered a major risk factor for suicide. 
A person with the disorder may be treated with psychotherapy, medication, or 
both. Research has shown cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and selective 
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to be effective in treating BDD. BDD is a chronic 
illness and symptoms are likely to persist, or worsen, if left untreated. 
In our case, the problematic is to avoid answering to esthetic queries for witch the 
real problem is not the physical defect but the patient’s perception of the defect 
and the behavioral consequences on patient’s social et business activities. 
In this work we propose to use a self report to help the patient to become awre of 
his pathology and to help the physician to come to the right treatment decision. 
Our conclusion will show you the importance of comprehensive patient 
management in esthetic medicine and surgery and why the “Médecin 
Morphologue et anti-âge” is the right professionals to take care of BDD patients.