Frequency of body dysmorphic disorder among patients with complaints of hair loss

BackgroundBody dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition in which a disabling preoccupation with a non-existent or slight defect in appearance is the main symptom. Hair concerns are frequent in patients with BDD. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of BDD among patients with complaints of hair loss. MethodsA validated BDD questionnaire (BDDQ) was administered to 150 patients with complaints of hair loss and 150 control subjects who were selected from among general dermatology (GD) patients. Standard statistical tests were performed (descriptive analysis, chi-squared tests, non-parametric tests). Differences that achieved a P-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. ResultsAmong patients with complaints of hair loss, 42 of 142 subjects retained in the study (29.6%; 31 females and 11 males) were diagnosed with BDD. Furthermore, 25.6% of female patients and 52.4% of male patients were diagnosed with BDD (P=0.013). Hair concerns were more common in males than in females (P<0.05). In the GD group, four control subjects (2.7%, all female) were diagnosed with BDD; all of their concerns focused on the body and acne. ConclusionsThe incidence of BDD is about 10 times higher in patients with complaints of hair loss than it is in GD patients and is higher in males. Awareness of the condition and the referral of selected patients to mental health professionals is crucial.