Introduction to Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Eating Disorders, Volume 6, Issue 3
With the current issue of The Remuda Review, we continue our series of articles on common co-occurring problems faced by eating disorder patients. Throughout this series, we are considering the assessment, conceptualization, and treatment of self-injurious behavior, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance use, trauma, personality disorders, and other co-occurring issues within Remuda’s bio-psycho-social-spiritual model. In each article, we consider how these co-occurring issues relate to eating disorder development, symptoms, and maintenance, and, where relevant, variable manifestations based on age, development, and culture.
The present issue focuses in depth on our eighth topic: body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and eating disorders. A surprisingly large percentage, 39%, of patients with eating disorders have BDD. Yet BDD is rarely diagnosed in those with eating disorders, due to diagnostic and symptomatic overlap, as well as lack of clinician awareness. Comorbid BDD intensifies patient distress and suicidality, and complicates treatment. As such, there is a clear need to understand the co-occurrence of BDD and eating disorders, and the best, evidence-based methods for addressing this dual diagnosis. Toward this end, we hope the article and case study in this issue of The Remuda Review will serve as a short primer on best practices for understanding, assessing, and treating this co-occurrence.
