Hair-Related Dysmorphophobia: A Mini-Review

Hair-related body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition where individuals are obsessively concerned with perceived hair defects, leading to distress and impairment. This mini-review highlights that 29.6% of patients seeking hair loss treatment meet BDD criteria, a prevalence much higher than in general dermatology patients. Early recognition is crucial to prevent unnecessary treatments and ensure appropriate interventions, which should include cognitive-behavioral therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The disorder significantly affects quality of life, with high rates of depression and anxiety. Future research should aim to develop specific assessment and treatment protocols and explore cultural influences on hair appearance standards.