**1. Introduction**

In the context of a society where beauty is directly related to success and simultaneously hard to achieve, this is the background for the manifestation of the most of the appearance disorders. Among them, we observe the body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), classified as the most fragilizing and afflictive pathology related to body image [1–3].

delusional state, the individual is completely convinced that his/her beliefs are true. The

Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Characteristics, Psychopathology, Clinical Associations, and…

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76446

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BDD can also be divided into delusional and not delusional. The delusional type is more severe because the individual presents visual hallucinations, in which he/she perceives his/ her defect as monstrous, whereas in the non-delusional mode, the subject only overevaluates a little imperfection, which was already there. It is believed that 36–60% of the cases of BDD are delusional [13]. However, both BDD delusional and non-delusional usually have good treatment response to the same type of therapeutic. Nevertheless, it is important to establish the differential diagnostics in order to determine the severity of the disease, the comorbidities,

Some variations were found in brain structure and function. Research suggests that BDD patients may have some alteration in the white substance of the brain, leading to a functional impairment due to disorganization in the tract which connects the vision with emotional

BDD, which was primarily called dysmorphophobia, is a severe psychiatric disorder usual and disabling. It is marked by deep psychological sorrow, directly proportional to the imaginary or delusional physical defect. This "defect" is always focused in a given area of the body, such as, nose, hair, freckles, or breasts. Any part of the body can be "chosen"; it can include

Even though BDD being still an underrecognized and underdiagnosed pathology in our society, it causes too much pain, social, and professional impairment to the patients. It affects another important area of their lives too: most of them have deep emotional issues and cannot keep a marriage or a long-term relationship because of BDD. Recently, some repetitive behaviors and mental acts related to appearance concerns were added to the list of symptoms

Most of these patients look for appearance-enhancing treatments, trying to get rid of their sorrow and frustration, but it usually exacerbates the psychological symptoms and leads to more dissatisfaction [7, 8]. Therefore, it is paramount that not only psychologists and psychiatrists know more about BDD, but also, professionals of esthetics area, cosmetology and gyms, which include alternative specialty doctors, physiotherapists and personal trainers.

In the past, BDD used to be part of somatoform disorder spectrum [16], which now is known as somatic symptoms disorders [9]. This spectrum is featured by the presence of physical symptoms, which suggests a medical general condition underlying the behavior symptoms, because there is no detectable neurobiological imbalance or other psychiatry disorders to justify the symptoms. It is important to emphasize that this classification has changed much and

the presence of unwanted body hair or the body weight or the body shape [4–6].

They could identify potential patients and referral to specialized treatment.

degree of compromise affects the treatment of the patient [9, 12].

and the risk factors [13, 14].

issues and memory [13, 15].

**3. Neuroanatomic findings**

do not include BDD anymore [9].

too [8, 9].

The body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), previously denominated as dysmorphophobia, consists in a severe psychiatric condition, with high incidence and frequently incapacitating. It is characterized by psychic suffering caused by a possible physical imperfection in appearance, always focused in a specific body part, as a common example, nose, hair, freckles, or breast size. Any part can or body characteristic can be the focus, including the presence of body hair excess or the body shape as a whole [4–6].

Although BDD is an unrecognized and often not diagnosed in our society, it causes significant clinical suffering to the patient, social, and professional prejudice and affects others spheres of the individual life. Nowadays, new characteristics have been added to the disorder as repetitive behavior and mental acts related to self-image preoccupation. To acquire a better knowledge and help in BDD diagnosis should be a priority, not only for psychological and psychiatric professionals but also for aesthetical, cosmetic, and physical educators, because these patients may search for the solution with appearanceenhancing treatments, an action that can worsen the psychological symptoms caused by the disorder [7, 8].
