BEAUTY AND BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER. A CLINICIAN'S GUIDE

Over the decades, research has repeatedly demonstrated that individuals who are more physically attractive are judged more favorably and receive preferential treatment in interpersonal situations across their life span. Understanding beauty and what the human eye finds aesthetically pleasing is important to practicing physicians in cosmetic fields, such as dermatology and plastic surgery, since this importance of beauty brings many patients into their clinics. However, while certain features appear to be found attractive across individuals and cultures, biologic perceptions can be reshaped by a dynamic configuring of neural networks and surroundings. On the extreme end of body image perception lies body dysmorphic disorder. Fundamentals of Beauty and Body Dysmorphic Disorder assists dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and primary care physicians in recognizing key characteristics that are oftentimes overlooked or go untreated. Additionally, it discusses the disorder as it relates to the objective and subjective aspects of beauty.
According to recent statistics, body dysmorphic disorder occurs in up to 2.4% of the general population and within 5-15% of dermatology and cosmetic surgery patients. Moreover, up to 50% of those suffering with the disorder sought treatment from a dermatologist and 33% requested cosmetic surgery. However, these patients are often unhappy with results and only 15% of dermatologists reported successfully treating body dysmorphic disorder, while 11% were comfortable starting a treatment plan. Therefore, Fundamentals of Beauty and Body Dysmorphic Disorder aims to help bridge the gap between identifying and treating this illness, as well as helping physicians spot the signs in current and potential patients.

Feature:
- Discusses body dysmophic disorder as it relates to the objective and subjective aspects of beauty
- Provides dermatologists with information that will help them treat those afflicted with body dysmorphia
- Discusses how to spot the signs in current and potential patients
- Topics covered include the historical importance of beauty, body image and body image dissatisfaction, case studies, etiology of body dysmorphic disorder, and therapeutic interventions.

Author
Neelam A. Vashi, MD, FAAD is a board certified dermatologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is the Founder and Director of The Boston University Center for Ethnic Skin and an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Boston University School of Medicine, teaching dermatology to BU residents, international trainees, and medical students.

Table of contents (14 chapter)
1.Historical Importance of Beauty
2.Objective Aspects of Beauty
3.Evolutionary Basis of Attraction
4.Subjective Aspects of Beauty
5.Body Image and Body Image Dissatisfaction
6.Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Historical Aspects
7.Diagnosis of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
8.Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Etiology and Pathophysiology
9.Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Epidemiology and Specific Cohorts
10.Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Effects of Aesthetic Treatments and Implications for the Dermatologist and Cosmetic Surgeon
11.Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Screening Patients and Associated Algorithms
12.Therapeutic Interventions for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
13.Prognosis and the Effect of Body Dysmorphic Disorder on Life
14.Approach and Resources