[Body dysmorphic disorder in 3-8% of patients in outpatient dermatology and plastic surgery clinics].

[OBJECTIVE] To determine the 6-month prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in outpatient clinics of dermatology and plastic surgery in a university medical centre.

[DESIGN] Questionnaire study.

[METHOD] In the period January 2004-June 2004, the self-reported Body dysmorphic disorder questionnaire was completed by 530 and 475 new patients in the outpatient clinics of dermatology and plastic surgery, respectively. The dermatologist or plastic surgeon assessed the severity of the defect. To meet the DSM-IV criteria for BDD, the patient must have been preoccupied with treatment of all or part of their appearance, experienced obvious suffering or restriction of function with minimal or no defect present (defect score 1 or 2).

[RESULTS] In the outpatient clinics ofdermatology and plastic surgery 8.5% (95% CI: 6.1-10.9) and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.7-4.7) of patients screened positive for BDD, respectively.

[CONCLUSION] A high prevalence of BDD was found in the outpatient clinics ofdermatology and plastic surgery. Because dermatologists and plastic surgeons do not often recognise BDD, a simple screening tool is needed.