Prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Patients Attending Dermatology clinic in Saudi Arabia/Qassim Region

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Patients attending a dermatology clinic in Saudi Arabia/ Qassim Region. Methods: Cross sectional study conducted among 363 patients aged 15 years old and more. Patients responded to an Arabic electronic questionnaire that was developed as a screening instrument for BDD in psychiatric settings and was validated in a psychiatric outpatient sample. The BDDQ is intended as a screening instrument and not as a diagnostic one. Data were analyzed by SPSS program version 22. Results: The sample was consisted of 91,1% women and 8,9% men. Our survey shows that 18, 6% of patients are likely to undergo Body Dysmorphic Disorder. The proportion of patients with possible BDD was showed significantly decreased with age (p=0,001), however, it was significantly highly expressed in married patients and students (respectively p=0,009, p=0,007) when using Chi-squared test. Conclusion: Body Dysmorphic Disorder in patients attending the dermatology clinic is relatively common. Dermatologists should master the measures to identify this health problem in their patients and refer them to mental health specialists. Introduction Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), also known as dysmorphophobia, is a common and severe psychiatric disorder that occurs around the world affects 1.7% to 2.4% of the general population.