Repository logo
 

Body dysmorphic disorder and its relationship to sexuality, impulsivity, and addiction.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

No Thumbnail Available

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Grant, Jon E 
Lust, Katherine 
Chamberlain, Samuel R 

Abstract

This study sought to examine the prevalence of probable body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in a university sample and its associated physical and mental health correlates. A 156-item anonymous online survey was distributed via email to a randomly chosen subset of 10,000 university students, at a large public university. The survey queried current use of alcohol and drugs, psychological and physical status, academic performance, sexual behaviors, and questionnaire-based measures of impulsivity and compulsivity. A total of 3,459 participants (59.1% female) completed the survey and were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of BDD was 1.7% (n = 59). Compared to students without BDD, those with BDD were significantly more likely to endorse symptoms of compulsive sexual behavior, depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Questionnaire-based measures revealed higher levels of both compulsivity and impulsivity associated with BDD. BDD appears to be common in young adults, and is associated with specific mental health comorbidities, as well as both impulsive and compulsive traits. Clinicians should be aware of the presentation of BDD and screen for it in primary care and mental health settings.

Description

Keywords

Addiction, Body dysmorphia, Compulsivity, Impulsivity, Adolescent, Anxiety, Behavior, Addictive, Body Dysmorphic Disorders, Comorbidity, Compulsive Behavior, Depression, Female, Humans, Male, Prevalence, Sexual Behavior, Sexuality, Students, Surveys and Questionnaires, Universities, Young Adult

Journal Title

Psychiatry Res

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0165-1781
1872-7123

Volume Title

273

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
Wellcome Trust (110049/Z/15/Z)