Dysmorphophobia: a Question of Definition

Abstract

Summary: Dysmorphophobia is an uncommon psychiatric syndrome characterized by a subjective feeling of ugliness or physical defect. Although appearance is within normal limits, the patient feels that this is noticeable to others. Views on the nature of this condition are illustrated by two case histories. It is proposed that dysmorphophobia is a discrete psychiatric illness. The symptoms arise in individuals with schizoid, narcissistic, or obsessional personality traits and should be distinguished from those phenomena which are secondary to morbid psychological processes.