Body Dysmorphic Disorder & Health Anxiety

Key points

• Body dysmorphic disorder: preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in appearance causing significant distress/impairment.
• High suicide risk; screen for comorbid depression.
• Health anxiety (hypochondriasis): persistent preoccupation with having a serious illness despite reassurance.
• Management of both: CBT first-line; SSRIs can be effective.
• Avoid repeated investigations/reassurance in health anxiety — reinforces the cycle.