Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder

How is body dysmorphic disorder treated?

Treatment of these individuals is difficulty as many do not seek psychiatric referral but often seek more cosmetic surgery. Undergoing more cosmetic surgery often fails to improve symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder and these individuals remain displeased with the results. Less than 3% of these individuals ever come to mental healthcare professionals, but this is only when they are financially broke, depressed or the family has insisted on treatment.

The treatment of body dysmorphic disorder is a combination of serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive behavior therapy. To date SSRI have proven to be effective but the doses required are high and the treatment duration is long. If these individuals remain compliant with therapy, almost 50% will see a partial improvement or complete reduction in their symptoms. Studies have shown that SSRIs can decrease the obsessive features, depression, help develop insight, improve social performance, and help the individual accept the body flaws. Sometimes the delusional symptoms may benefit from the use of low doses of anti-psychotics. When all drug treatments fail, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors remain the last choice. However, because of severe dietary restrictions, these drugs should only be prescribed by specialist.