Body dysmorphic disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder, a distressing and impairing preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in appearance, is an intriguing and under-recognized disorder that has only recently been systematically studied. Recent research findings indicate that body dysmorphic disorder is relatively common, causes notable distress and impairment in functioning, and is associated with markedly poor quality of life. Available data on treatment response, while still limited, suggest that serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and cognitive-behavioral therapy are often effective for body dysmorphic disorder, Further research is needed on all aspects of this understudied and severe mental disorder. Curr Opin Psychiatry 14:113-118. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.