Letters to the Editors: Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Hair Loss Patients and Benefits of Hair Restoration

In 2012, a letter to the editor discussed the prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in hair loss patients and the potential benefits of hair restoration. BDD, a condition characterized by extreme preoccupation with a perceived physical flaw, was noted to be common in cosmetic surgery and dermatology settings, with a prevalence of 1-2% in the general population but higher in these settings. The authors suggested that hair transplant surgeons may struggle to differentiate between patients with extreme anxiety about their appearance and those with BDD. They recommended psychological assessment for patients showing excessive preoccupation with their appearance. The authors disagreed with the notion that there's no benefit to diagnosing someone with BDD, arguing that appropriate treatment, such as cognitive behavior therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be beneficial. They called for further research into the motivations and post-operative satisfaction of hair loss patients, including those with BDD.