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Beauty and Body Dysmorphic Disorder pp 115–125Cite as

Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Etiology and Pathophysiology

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Abstract

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a complex disease with multifactorial etiology and subsequent pathophysiology. The exact sequence of events, including what risk factors are crucial in the development of BDD, is still unknown. BDD is the result of multiple risk factors, including a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural etiologic agents, that culminate in the development of this disorder. First, the role of biological factors is discussed. Subjects with BDD often have altered neuroanatomy, impaired neuronal processing, quantitative differences in specific neurotransmitters, and a genetic predisposition to develop BDD. Next, an assessment of the psychological factors is considered, including the importance of childhood adversity and various personality traits. These factors are evaluated in the context of multiple learning theories in order to supplement the current understanding of BDD pathogenesis. Sociocultural factors including gender, culture, and media are also examined. Understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of BDD is crucial to the prevention and treatment of this disorder.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Northwestern Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Street, Suite 1600, 60611, Chicago, IL, USA

    Asst. Prof. Roopal V. Kundu MD

  2. New York Medical College, M.D. Candidate Class of 2017, New York, USA

    Allison Weiffenbach

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  1. Allison Weiffenbach
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  2. Asst. Prof. Roopal V. Kundu MD
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Correspondence to Roopal V. Kundu MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Neelam A. Vashi

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Weiffenbach, A., Kundu, R. (2015). Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Etiology and Pathophysiology. In: Vashi, N. (eds) Beauty and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17867-7_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17867-7_8

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