NEW YORK (HealthDay News)—Many teenagers, especially girls, are affected by body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a condition in which they obsess over perceived flaws in their personal appearance, a new study reveals.
BDD affects two in every 100 adolescents (1.9 percent), indicates a report in the “Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.”
The disorder is six times more common in girls than boys, affecting 1.8% of girls compared to 0.3% of boys, the researchers say.
These figures show that it is important for doctors to be alert for signs of the disorder, says lead researcher Georgina Krebs, professor of psychology at University College London.
“Since youth with BDD tend not to spontaneously disclose their symptoms unless directly asked, it is crucial that clinicians use BDD assessment tools and directly ask youth regarding appearance problems,” Krebs says.
In the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 7,600 participants in the 2017 survey of the mental health of children and young people in England.
The survey included a question regarding whether the person ever worries regarding their appearance. Those who responded “a little” or “a lot” underwent an additional BDD screening test.
Nearly 70% of youth with BDD also met diagnostic criteria for at least one other psychological disorder, the researchers found.
The most common mental health problems that occurred alongside BDD were anxiety disorders (59%) and depression (32%). Additionally, almost half (46%) of youth with BDD reported self-harm or suicide attempts, compared to 8% of those without the disorder.
“Screening for BDD in youth with anxiety disorders and depression, the most common comorbidities, is likely to improve detection,” Krebs believes.
The researchers found that adolescents who were excessively concerned regarding their appearance, but who did not meet the diagnostic standard for BDD, showed similar patterns of co-occurring mood problems.
“Appearance concern is a significant clinical phenomenon in its own right,” the researchers conclude. “Efforts are needed to raise awareness regarding BDD, improve screening practices, and reduce barriers to evidence-based treatment.”
#distressed #appearance
2024-04-07 12:33:53
