Body Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms: Prevalence and Risk Factors in an Arab Middle Eastern Population

Abstract

Background The present study examined the prevalence of and risk factors for symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in the general population of Jeddah, a large port city in Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study surveyed a convenience sample of 520 adults. We used a validated self-screening measure to assess BDD, the body dysmorphic disorder questionnaire (BDDQ). Results The prevalence of significant BDD symptoms among the general Saudi population was 8.8% (ie, those scoring above the cut off for BDD on the BDDQ). Over half (52%) of all respondents reported concerns about the attractiveness of their body parts, and of those expressing such concerns, 66% were preoccupied with these thoughts. Only 3% of all respondents opted for cosmetic surgery because of these concerns, and most of those individuals (69%) had only one surgery. Nearly 9% of all respondents reported that these concerns affected their relationships with family and friends. Almost 15% of all participants spent an hour or more each day thinking about these concerns. Patients who reported a history of depression were 3.8 times more likely to have BDD. Other variables included in the model predicting high BDD scores (eg, age, job status, and marital status) did not achieve statistical significance. Conclusion Significant symptoms of BDD (based on the BDDQ) are not uncommon among the general population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Risk factors for this condition were female gender, younger age, being unmarried, and in bivariate and multivariate analyses, history of depression and female gender. These findings underscore the need for increased awareness by clinicians of this disorder, particularly when treating patients with depressive disorder, particularly among women.

The Prevalence and Characteristics of Body Dysmorphic Disorder Among Adults in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Different BDD screening instruments may produce different results [15]. In Saudi Arabia, multiple studies were conducted to assess the prevalence of BDD; the reported prevalence of BDD among the general population is between 4.2% and 8.8% and 4.4-12.3% among female students [6][7][8][9]. A study done in the AL-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia on dermatology patients shows that the prevalence of BDD is 18.6% [16].…”

“…A systematic review conducted in 2016 showed that the estimated prevalence of BDD in the general population is around 1.9-2.2% [5]. Locally in Saudi Arabia, the reported prevalence of BDD among the general population is around 4.2-8.8%, and among female students is 4.4-12.3% [6][7][8][9]. Since there is no available up-to-date data concerning the BDD prevalence in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia, to address this, the current study explores the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder among the general population in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia.…”

Body dysmorphic disorder among Lebanese females: A cross‐sectional study

“…1,3 The estimated prevalence for the general population diagnosed with BDD ranges from 2.4% to 8.8%. 4,5 Although BDD affects both genders, several studies indicate that it is more common among females. 6 BDD may have a higher prevalence in cosmetic settings ranging from 9.2% to 11.3% among patients seeking dermatological treatments and from 3% to 53% among those undergoing cosmetic surgery.…”

“…[7][8][9] Based on a Literature review, risk factors including genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors, childhood maltreatment, and comorbid psychiatric disorders were identified. 5 BDD was linked to a higher risk of comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders. 2 Additionally, childhood maltreatment and certain personality traits, such as perfectionism and neuroticism, were linked with an elevated risk of BDD.…”

“…The estimated prevalence for the general population diagnosed with BDD ranges from 2.4% to 8.8% 4,5 . Although BDD affects both genders, several studies indicate that it is more common among females 6 .…”