Appearance Dissatisfaction and Body Dysmorphic Disorder in the Dermatology Patient.

Dermatologists routinely see patients with inflammatory skin conditions and aesthetic concerns that involve substantial psychological comorbidity. However, most dermatologists do not receive formal training in this area, and many are unsure how to best help treat certain patients holistically. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a common and distressing psychiatric condition that disproportionately impacts dermatology patients, including patients living with chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and atopic dermatitis. BDD is characterized by preoccupation with nonexistent or minimally noticeable flaws in physical appearance that cause clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning. Adolescent populations may be particularly vulnerable to clinically significant body image dissatisfaction, including BDD, due to the high prevalence of acne and the pervasive role of social media platforms. The rise of social media may exacerbate body image issues through repetitive exposure to idealized and often unrealistic beauty standards. Though screening questionnaires can assist dermatologists in recognizing BDD, dermatologists must collaborate with mental health providers to provide comprehensive care to vulnerable patients, including adolescents.J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(7):545-550.  doi:10.36849/JDD.8156.

Dermatology in Contemporary Times: Building Awareness of Social Media's Association With Adolescent Skin Disease and Mental Health.

BACKGROUND: The contribution of psychological disorders to the burden of skin disease has been poorly explored in adolescent patients. The review aims to provide insights into the psychological, social, occupational, and social medias' association with acne, atopic dermatitis (AD), and aesthetics in adolescent patients. METHODS: The project used a modified Delphi process comprising face-to-face discussions followed up online.  The systematic literature search results informed the 14 draft statements. During an expert panel meeting, the draft statements underwent the panel's evaluation at a workshop, followed by a plenary discussion adopting five statements using evidence from the literature coupled with the panel's opinions and experiences.  Results: Studies reported an association between poor sleep, social impairment, and mental health disorders, including body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) with acne or AD in adolescents with acne or AD. Education for patients and parents may improve self-management skills and self-responsibility, promoting better outcomes for acne and AD. The use of certain types of social media can contribute to unrealistic expectations regarding the outcomes of cosmetic procedures. Social media use may also be associated with, and potentially contribute to unrealistic appearance expectations and certain mental health conditions. However, social media use may have benefits, such as connection, diversity, social support, increased self-esteem, safe identity experimentation, and an increased opportunity for self-disclosure.  Conclusions: The association with negative life events, BDD, suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety are thought to be high for adolescent patients with acne or AD. Using social media for information has both positive and negative aspects. Awareness of the risks and benefits of receiving health information about dermatological disease among adolescents needs to be improved through the education of patients and clinicians. Action-oriented items need to be developed to help dermatologists address these issues in clinical practice.Rieder EA, Andriessen A, Cutler V, et al. Dermatology in contemporary times: building awareness of social media's association with adolescent skin disease and mental health. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(8):817-825. doi:10.36849/JDD.7596.