Body dysmorphic disorder

Given the growing availability of sophisticated dental interventions, both patients’ and dentists’ expectations of the outcomes achievable through dental treatment may become unrealistic, particularly in the context of the growth of ‘aesthetic’ dental treatments. The extent of the discrepancy between the expectations of the patient and the likely process and outcome of care may be either within reasonable boundaries of tolerance and susceptible to change, or may be completely unrealistic and not susceptible to change. Individuals in the latter group may be suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder. In this talk I shall seek to address the assessment and management of both groups, the assessment and management of individuals with suspected Body Dysmorphic Disorder and the assessment and management of more normative mismatches in expectations. I shall use case studies to illustrate instances where the solution to the presenting problem may lie in an alternative to further dental treatment.

Topics covered will include:

• Key features of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Likely prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder among patients presenting for aesthetic dental treatment
• Effectiveness of pharmacological and psychological management of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

By the end of the session participants should be able to:

• Systematically assess a patient with a view to suggesting a diagnosis of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Advise members of the dental team on the most appropriate management strategy for a patient with Body Dysmorphic Disorder