Emergency Aesthetic Approaches to Patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Report of Three Cases

Abstract

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an obsessive preoccupation with a perceived defect in one’s physical appearance for which the individual persistently seeks medical attention and surgical correction. This preoccupation can be persistent and pervasive, leading to social withdrawal.  A dentist may be the first health care worker who has an opportunity to intervene and assist these people in getting treatment. Patients may have unrealistic expectations for certain procedures, so assessing their psychological status is an important part of treatment planning and diagnosis. Patient expectations should be determined, and the ability to provide care that meets those expectations should be discussed. In the case reports, aesthetic treatments with composite resin restorations of three patients with BDD are reported.

The cases highlight the need for dentists to be educated on this disorder so that they can recognize and refer accordingly. There is also a need for interdisciplinary interactions between the dentist and the psychologist.

How to cite this article: Sezgin Bolgül B, Ağaçkıran E, Tümen EC, Ayna Y, Çelenk S, Ayna B. Emergency Aesthetic Approaches to Patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Report of Three Cases. Int Dent Res 2011;3:87-91.

Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.