Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Historical Aspects

Dysmorphophobia, although not formally recognized as of recent, has a long history in psychiatry, dating back to the nineteenth century when Enrico Morselli first coined the term. It is derived from the Greek word dysmorphia, meaning ugliness. Other notable figures who contributed in defining and bringing recognition to this disorder include Pierre Janet, Emil Kraepelin, and Sigmund Freud. Although dysmorphophobia is the common name used for nearly a century, it is actually a misnomer as this disorder is not a true phobic condition. Therefore, recently it was renamed to what is now known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), with its publication in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III-R. Continued movement towards increasing public awareness and medical understanding is critical in reducing stigma and other barriers to treatment in this potentially devastating condition.