Terminology
The word dysmorphophobia consists of the following parts of speech:
- prefix dys- (Greek) = miss-, un-
- morphe (Greek) = shape, form
- Dysmorphia is therefore the term for malformations of all kinds. This also includes breast malformations.
- phob (Greek) = fear, flight
So what is dysmorphophobia?
In short, it is a fear of a deformity or the fear of being deformed. Many publications also like to talk about imaginary ugliness.
The perception of one’s own body is disturbed in this anxiety disorder. Normally shaped body parts are perceived by these patients as malformed. As a result, such patients often consult a plastic surgeon.
Statistics
- Dysmorphophobia (body dysmorphic disorder) is not a rare disorder. It is estimated that around 0.7%–1.7% of the American population suffers from dysmorphophobia, although this disorder often goes undiagnosed.
- In 75% of cases, dysmorphophobia occurs together with depression.
- The lifetime suicide rate is 24%–28%. This disease should therefore not be underestimated.
How to recognize dysmorphophobia: symptoms and complaints
People who suffer from this can, in principle, focus on any part of the body. The most common area of focus is the face.
Patients do not perceive their condition as a mental illness, even if they spend 3-8 hours a day on it. They spend this time comparing themselves with other people and critically examining themselves in the mirror, or concealing or compensating for their supposed deformities.
The following symptoms are typical, which lead to stress:
- Feeling of inferiority, feeling of worthlessness
- Neurosis
- Depression
- Introversion
- Fear
- Psychosocial isolation
- Reduction in quality of life
People affected by dysmorphophobia often have delusions. They believe that other people will stare at, laugh at and condemn them because of their supposed shortcomings.
The areas of the body that are perceived as malformed are often concealed with make-up, skin tanning or bleaching, appropriate hairstyles and clothing. Compensation through extreme sporting activity, eating disorders, shopping addiction, etc. is also common.
Treatment of dysmorphophobia
At present, treatment with medication and cognitive behavioral therapy by psychiatrists and psychologists are standard.
Today, so-called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are used as medication. These include, among others:
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Dysmorphophobia and plastic surgery
It is crucial for plastic surgeons to recognize people with dysmorphophobia and to decisively refuse treatment.
This is because this mental illness cannot be cured by surgery. Patients are either not satisfied postoperatively or project their anxiety onto other areas. The plastic surgeon can only help the patient with a referral to a psychiatrist.
