Projects
016 – Body dysmorphic disorder: A practice-based study
- Chief Investigator A: A/Prof Roy Judge
- Chief Investigator B: Dr Denise Bailey
- Chief Investigator C: Prof David Castle
- Chief Investigator D: Dr Andrea Philipou
- Associate Investigator: Dr Carolina Perez Rodriguez
- Research Collaborators: Dr Jennifer O’Connor, Meaghan Quinn
About
It is estimated that 15% of patients presenting for cosmetic procedures suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). BDD is characterised by obsession with an imagined flaw in physical appearance. Given the irreversible nature of most prosthodontics treatment, the biological cost, and the time and financial investment for the patient, it is prudent to try to identify individuals who may suffer from BDD before they start treatment.
Aims
- Test and validate an adapted questionnaire integrated in the medical history form as a predictor of possible BDD symptoms for use in patients presenting for treatment in general and private prosthodontics practice setting
- Inform and educate clinicians and patients about the meaning and significance of BDD in the clinical dental setting
- Identify patients prior to receiving irreversible dental treatment, to allow access to more appropriate course of care
Results
The project found:
- Women were more likely to present with high scores on the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) as well as people with a history of mental health problems, including anxiety
- The cosmetic practice, implant clinic and prosthodontic practice received higher proportions of patients with high DCQ scores than the general family practice
- The DCQ seems to be a suitable tool to be used by dentists as part of history taking and patient examination due to its brevity, simplicity and the good sensitivity/specificity reported in the literature
