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Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms among patients with acne vulgaris.

Bowe WP, Leyden JJ, Crerand CE, Sarwer DB, Margolis DJ

Department of Dermatology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, USA.

BACKGROUND: Acne is one of the most common concerns of patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a psychiatric condition defined as a preoccupation with a slight or imagined defect in appearance that causes significant disruption in daily functioning. OBJECTIVE: We sought to screen for BDD symptoms among patients with acne across a spectrum of acne severity. METHODS: We used a validated self-report questionnaire and an objective assessment of acne severity by a single observer. RESULTS: Rates of BDD ranged from 14.1% using more stringent criteria to assess acne severity to 21.1% using less stringent criteria. Two-fold increased odds of having BDD was seen in patients requiring systemic isotretinoin therapy. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional study design is a limitation. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of patients, regardless of their acne severity at the time of examination, have substantial distress and preoccupation related to their facial appearance.

Published 19 July 2007 in J Am Acad Dermatol, 57(2): 222-30.
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