Gender similarities and differences in 200 individuals with body dysmorphic disorder

Abstract

Background-Gender is a critically important moderator of psychopathology. However, gender similarities and differences in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) have received scant investigation. In this study, we examined gender similarities and differences in the broadest sample in which this topic has been examined.Methods-Two hundred subjects with BDD recruited from diverse sources were assessed with a variety of standard measures.Results-There were more similarities than differences between men and women, but many gender differences were found. The men were significantly older and more likely to be single and living alone. Men were more likely to obsess about their genitals, body build, and thinning hair/balding; excessively lift weights; and have a substance use disorder. In contrast, women were more likely to obsess about their skin, stomach, weight, breasts/chest, buttocks, thighs, legs, hips, toes, and excessive body/facial hair, and they were excessively concerned with more body areas. Women also performed more repetitive and safety behaviors, and were more likely to camouflage and use certain camouflaging techniques, check mirrors, change their clothes, pick their skin, and have an eating disorder. Women also had earlier onset of subclinical BDD symptoms and more severe BDD as assessed by the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination. However, men had more severe BDD as assessed by the Psychiatric Status Rating Scale for Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and they had poorer Global Assessment of Functioning Scale scores, were less likely to be working because of psychopathology, and were more likely to be receiving disability, including disability for BDD. Conclusions-The clinical features of BDD in men and women have many similarities but also some interesting and important differences. These findings have implications for the detection and treatment of BDD.

The relationship between perceived social support and severity of body dysmorphic disorder symptoms: the role of gender

“…Although this might seem unusual given previous studies that have documented that BDD is similarly prevalent in both genders, newer data suggests that BDD appears to affect slightly more females than males. [41][42][43] Additionally, these results are consistent with other Internet studies, which seem to draw more female than male participants. 44 Future studies might consider additional recruiting strategies targeting males that might help address this sampling bias.…”

Trastorno dismórfico corporal: aspectos clínicos, dimensiones nosológicas y controversias con la anorexia nerviosa

“…En el TDC comúnmente existe un blanco corporal específico del defecto, comprometiendo en orden descendente a piel, cabello, nariz, abdomen, dientes, peso, torso, nalgas, ojos, muslos, cejas, forma del rostro, piernas, barbilla, labios, brazos, caderas, mejillas y orejas 6 . Asimismo, la presentación del cuadro fluctúa según el sexo, pues en una investigación, los hombres desarrollaron un TDC más severo y con menor funcionamiento global, siendo más propensos a obsesionarse con sus genitales, constitución corporal y calvicie, inclinándose al levantamiento de pesas y al uso/abuso de sustancias, mientras que las mujeres debutaron más precozmente, centrándose en la piel, abdomen, peso, torso, nalgas, muslos, piernas, caderas, pies y aumento de vello facial y corporal, mostrando comportamientos repetitivos y de comprobación mediante técnicas de camuflaje, revisión ante espejos, grataje y posibilidad de desarrollar un TCA 13 . Se ha indicado que una menor probabilidad de remisión del desorden se asocia con una mayor duración de la patología o un trastorno de la personalidad comórbido, independientemente del sexo, raza, nivel socioeconómico y edad de inicio 14 .…”

Transtorno dismórfico corporal em dermatologia: diagnóstico, epidemiologia e aspectos clínicos

“…7 Além da face, os homens têm como maior foco, preocupações com os genitais, peso, cabelos e formas do corpo, enquanto as mulheres mais tipicamente relatam preocupações com o peso, os quadris, as pernas e as mamas. 27 Em média, pessoas com o TDC relatam preocupações com cinco a sete partes do corpo durante o curso do transtorno. 28 Os pacientes relatam incapacidade para interromper os pensamentos sobre sua percepção do defeito, sendo difícil controlar tal obsessão, que pode tornar-se mais intensa em situações nas quais o indiví-duo sente-se pressionado pela expectativa de ser observado, como em situações sociais.…”