Case scenario

Priya, 31, has been a customer of your pharmacy for some years. She is typically quiet and reserved when interacting with staff at the pharmacy. Well dressed and groomed, Priya tends to wear her hair loose, covering some of her face. You are aware that Priya has a history of depressed mood, and she has taken different SSRI medicines on and off for the last few years. She is currently taking sertraline 50 mg daily for major depression. Although Priya has clear skin, she frequently purchases cosmetic and skincare products. At times, she has appeared very distressed by minor skin blemishes and has sought your opinion on how to manage them. Priya is in your pharmacy asking for some non-prescription benzoyl peroxide cream for a new blemish she has noticed.

Learning objectives

After successful completion of this CPD activity, pharmacists should be able to:

  • Describe the symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder in adults
  • Describe the management options for body dysmorphic disorder in adults 
  • Explain how pharmacists can help manage adults with body dysmorphic disorder.

Competency standards (2016) addressed: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.2, 3.1, 3.5

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Introduction

Most people, at some time or another, will feel dissatisfied with an aspect of their appearance. For some people, appearance dissatisfaction goes beyond mild or transitory concerns and can be enduring, distressing and impairing. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a serious mental health condition characterised by an intense and distressing preoccupati

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