Body dysmorphic disorder: more than meets the eye.

Body dysmorphic disorder is a relatively common yet long unrecognized problem affecting mainly adolescents and young adults of both sexes. It is an obsessive disease of such intensity that it interferes with daily activities. Patients typically focus on imagined major defects in the face, nose, skin or hair. Patients often seek multiple physician assessment, but body dysmorphic disorder may be disabling and even life-threatening as a result of depression and suicidal ideation. Treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive behavioral therapy may be beneficial in many patients.