ABSTRACT
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is most frequently accompanied by comorbid diagnoses. This chapter describes the most commonly occurring comorbid namely obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, muscle dysmorphia, major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, substance related and addictive disorders, excoriation disorder, somatic symptom disorder, panic disorders and panic attacks and olfactory reference syndrome. BDD definitely has similarities with the obsessive-compulsive spectrum, but it also has similarities to other psychiatric conditions as well. A misdiagnosis of social anxiety disorder rather than BDD can occur if the patient only shares the surface facts, that he becomes very anxious in social and interpersonal situations. During the course of treatment, social anxiety symptoms that are a product of the BDD will gradually decrease as the BDD symptoms lessen. Behavioral therapy for BDD should emphasize interpersonal interactions, so regardless of its etiology the social anxiety and BDD can often be addressed simultaneously.
