NCJ Number
216585
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal Volume: 30 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2006 Pages: 1105-1115
Date Published
October 2006
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined the prevalence and clinical correlates of childhood abuse and neglect in individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which is characterized by a distressing or debilitating preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in physical appearance.
Abstract
The study found that clinically significant childhood maltreatment was relatively common among individuals with BDD. Of those in the study sample with BDD, just over 75 percent reported being maltreated in childhood. Consistent with the authors' prediction, emotional neglect was the most common form of perceived maltreatment in both males and females. These findings are consistent with previous research that has shown psychiatric disorders to be relatively common in individuals who report childhood abuse. Data were obtained from a prospective longitudinal study that examined the course of BDD over a 2.4-year period for enrolled participants. Interviews were conducted in person by experienced clinical interviewers. Of the 75 subjects, 85.3 percent met criteria for current BDD; 12 percent were currently in partial remission, and 2.7 percent were in full remission. All subjects had met full BDD criteria in the past. Self-reported childhood maltreatment was measured with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-Non-Patient Version was used to diagnose BDD and other Axis I disorders. 3 tables and 41 references