Abstract

MORENO, A et al. Dysmorphophobia: a hidden concern in dermatology. Rev. argent. dermatol. [online]. 2017, vol.98, n.4, pp.1-10. ISSN 1851-300X.

Concerns about body image are influenced by sociocultural, biological and environmental aspects; mass media and scientific advance has changed the conditions in which human existence has being marked by the last canons of beauty. Dysmorphophobia or body dysmorphic disorder is a disease that causes exaggerated concerns for a poorly visible or non-existent defect causing significant discomfort in the patient. Was described by the italian psychiatrist Enrico Morselli in the 19^th century, as the persistent and widespread dissatisfaction with the body itself, feeling it as anomalous or deformed in some of its features causing discomfort in the patient, even when there are no objective and observable defects. In 2013 in the fifth edition of DSM-V was removed from somatomorphic disorders and located into obsessive-compulsive. The main obsessions focus on: face, wrinkles, teeth, scars, facial asymmetry, facial hair, lips, nose, genitals, glutes and chest. 11% to 20% of patients who consult dermatologists have this disorder which generates social isolation in extreme cases, suicides, as well as medico - legal repercussions, threats and even homicides to treating doctors. Therefore, the sensitization and training of the dermatologist should be aimed at helping the patient to define his problem, avoiding cosmetic procedures. An exhaustive review in search engines as Scholar google, Latindex and Scielo was made in the period between 1970 to 2017 and key words in Medical Subject Headings.

Keywords : body dysmorphic disorder; face; body image; beauty, esthetic.