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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough the precise cause of body dysmorphic disorder isn't known, researchers have identified certain factors that seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering the condition, including:
- Having biological relatives with body dysmorphic disorder
- Childhood teasing
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Low self-esteem
- Societal pressure or expectations of beauty
Overall, about 1 percent of the population is estimated to have body dysmorphic disorder. But as many as 10 percent of people seeking dermatology or cosmetic treatments may have body dysmorphic disorder. Body dysmorphic disorder usually starts in adolescence. It affects men and women in equal numbers.
- Moore DP, et al. Body dysmorphic disorder. In: Moore DP, et al. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby, Inc.; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/107599999-2/0/1243/0.html. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
- Castle DJ, et al. An update on body dysmorphic disorder. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 2006;19:74-78.
- Buescher LS, et al. Body dysmorphic disorder. Dermatologic Clinics. 2006;24:251-257.
- Body dysmorphic disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. Arlington, Va.:American Psychiatric Association, 2000. www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
- Hunt TJ, et al. The mirror lies: Body dysmorphic disorder. American Family Physician. 2008;78(2):217-222, 223-224.
- Phillips KA, et al. Body dysmorphic disorder: Treating an underrecognized disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2008;165(9).
- Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 17, 2008.
