Abstract

Objectives: To learn about the characteristics of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR). To improve awareness of potential patients with BDD in cosmetic practice. To learn that patients with (potential) BDD should not be included in clinical practice. To learn that cosmetic doctors may overestimate their knowledge about BDD. To learn about potential collaborations with psychologists. To learn about red flags and the use of screeners. Introduction: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a severe body image problem that is often seen in candidate patients applying for cosmetic surgery, dentistry, dermatology etc. (The majority of) patients with BDD do not profit from cosmetic surgery. Therefore it is important to detect potential BDD patients within candidate patients for cosmetic treatment. Materials / method: Information is provided on the characteristics and clinical picture of BDD, prevalence numbers (in the general population versus within candidate patients for cosmetic treatments) and data on the outcome of cosmetic surgery in BDD patients (retrospective and prospective studies). Also, a study is presented (Bouman, Mulkens, van der Lei, 2017) which showed cosmetic professionals' lower awareness of BDD than would be expected given the prevalence of BDD patients within the group of candidate patients. Results: Also, information is provided on potential red flags and screens that can be used to detect potential (signs of) BDD. Also, a call for closer collaboration between cosmetic surgeons and psychologists is made. If we could help each other, less patients with BDD may slip through the preoperative screening. Conclusion: BDD is a condition that is seen relatively often in candidate patients within cosmetic clinical practice. Although cosmetic professionals believe that they are able to detect those patients, in fact, they underestimate the number of patients with BDD in their respective practices. A plea for collaboration and improvement of knowledge about psychological disorders is made.