Samantha Newman
Literature Review
1. Arthur, G.K. & Monell, K. (August 20, 2007). Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3124.htmArthur and Monell’s article covers every common aspect of BDD and then some. Some issues he discussed are frequency, age, sex, etc. Since BDD is fairly new to the medical scene, little is know about this disease and therefore many individuals have gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. BDD affects 1-2% of the general population; however, this is thought to be an underestimate because BDD frequently is under diagnosed. Patients are ashamed of their problem and do not report it to their physicians. Incidence in the cosmetic surgery population ranges from 2-7%. (Arthur & Monell 2007).” Studies have found that misdiagnosis or undiagnosed worsens BDD symptoms and makes the disease harder to treat. Arthur and Monells also covers aspects such as age and sex. Saying, there is no distinguished frequency between male and female sufferers of BDD. However, BDD does begin to affect individuals at a very common stage in their lives. The adolescent years is the most common time when a child may develop BDD (Arthur & Monell 2007).
Arthur and Monells research has covered many areas of BDD that other sources have not dealt with. This make is hard to compare such research on these topics, however, it is interesting to see what some have found when dealing with certain issues about BDD. This source provides very useful, understanding information about the research being done over BDD and the results of that research.
2. BDDHelp. (March 2008). Beat BDD with BDDHelp.com. Retrieved March 4, 2008, from
http://www.bddhelp.com/my_blogThis next source is very interesting and insightful in that the author is an actual sufferer of BDD. She shares her firsthand experience with this disorder and all the issues it comes with. Though she offers many tips and advice, she also offers treatment option ideas and ways to seek help. Some of her tips include, looking to the future, education, and to maintain a positive attitude (BDDHelp 2008). She also offers advice on how to deal with the stress BDD puts on personal relationships. She claims educating the family about BDD can be helpful in understanding the disorder. “It may help alleviate some of your own distress if you understand that your loved ones distress/symptoms are part of a disorder, one that is now becoming more recognized (BDDHelp 2008)”.
Although this article does not contain a lot of facts, statistics, or research information. It does give a sense of reality to those who deal with this disorder. It allows readers to understand the pain and issues these people deal with everyday because of BDD. I believe this is a wonderful way for the reader to help understand why this disease is so deteriorating.
3. Hadley, Sallie. (2006). Pharmacologic Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved March 3, 2008,
http://www.primarypsychiatry.com/aspx/articledetail.aspx?articleid=513In this research paper, pharmacological treatments are studied to determine the results and effectiveness of their presence in a BDD sufferers life. The goal of pharmacologic treatment of BDD is to decrease the amount of time engaged in appearance preoccupations and associated compulsive behaviors, which can impair daily functioning, cause emotional distress, and result in a poor quality of life (Hadley 2006).” It covers dosing and duration of SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) during the treatment process. “Like OCD, the dose of SRI needed to treat BDD is usually higher than doses required for treatment of depression (Hadley 2006).” This statement is interesting because it inquires that due to a higher dosage of medication, this disorder must be more severe than depression. However, depression is much more common and researched about than BDD. Research investigating pharmacological treatment has been lacking (Hadley 2006). “SRIs or clomipramine have demonstrated efficacy in symptom reduction for BDD, including the delusional variant of BDD (Hadley 2006).”
4. Penzel, Frederick. (February 6, 2008). Behavioral Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from
http://westsuffolkpsych.homestead.com/bdd.htmlThe two major modes of treatment discussed in this article is medication that is used to treat OCD and behavioral treatment. “Exposure and response prevention is the primary behavioral intervention (Penzel 2008).” Talk therapy alone is simply not effective enough in treatment, behavioral therapy comes in a twofold.
First, we aim to reduce anxiety about thoughts of deformity via repeated exposure to the thoughts. By doing this, we can bring about habituation to the thoughts as the person gradually exposes him or herself to the thoughts (Penzel 2008).” Patients unintentionally experience the anxiety of their disorder until it gradually dissolves. “Our second aim is to prevent the behaviors just mentioned, that sufferers use to reassure themselves and terminate the anxiety (Penzel 2008)” Homework for response prevention typically includes, “…not inspecting body parts by eye or in mirrors, refraining from questioning others or seeking reassurance, wearing previously avoided clothes that remind the person of the deformity or accentuate what they imagine it is, not consulting physicians or surgeons, not running away from or avoiding situations where they imagine they are being scrutinized by others, etc (Penzel 2008).” This source gives a firsthand look at the intentions and goals of behavioral therapy.
5. Mayo Clinic Staff. (October 30, 2006). Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/body- dysmorphic-disorder/DS00559/DSECTION=3This source offers so much helpful information. It gives a lot description about the history of BDD. Stating when it was first recognized and recorded as a disorder. It also offers studies that have been taken on patients of BDD and the interesting results of those studies concerning treatment options. It is one of the few sources that offers tips for coping skills and self-care. It also offers advice on when to seek medical help. One of the big issues with BDD is that people are afraid to get help or don’t know when their case is severe enough to draw attention to it. Overall this is a very helpful source and I would definitely recommend this site. The advice and tips offered a whole new view on this disorder.
