Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Female Orthodontic Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) are preoccupied with slight defect in appearance. Such patients also have anxiety issues with other psychological disturbances and such patients often live compromised social life. Diagnosing such patients is important at suitable age to avoid unnecessary treatments and suitable referrals to the concerned consultants can help manage the situation better. This study was Questionnaire based, designed to assess BDD in Female Orthodontic Patients and its comparison with general population.

Methodology: Quantitative design involved descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions. The multi-center study conducted through online questionnaire, was operated by doctors from department of Orthodontics at Multan Medical & Dental College, Multan, in the duration of six months from June 1^st, 2021, to November 2^nd, 2021. Online questionnaire-based data was collected from female Orthodontic Patients and females of general group by a doctor from Orthodontic Department. The BDD modification of the Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale was used for diagnosis of Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Results: Out of 287 subjects of general population 17 (6.2 %) members were diagnosed as BDD. Out of 163 patients, 14 (8.5%) female Orthodontic patients showed high concern and distress regarding their facial features and smile. From general population group, severely affected participants showed concern about facial features, weight, and skin color.

Conclusion: It is a dire need of modern world that orthodontists have a thorough understanding of body image to identify orthodontic patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Unnecessary treatment can be avoided by creating awareness among clinicians about this disorder.