A descriptive study of the prevalence of depression, anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder among cosmetic surgery patients in a private tertiary hospital in Metro Manila from February to September 2011

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and BDD among patients about to undergo cosmetic surgery in the Center for Wellness and Aesthetics from February to September 2011.METHODOLOGY: This descriptive study included 50 patients who were scheduled to undergo cosmetic surgery in the Aesthetic and Wellness Center. Patients who consented to participate, complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) and Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ). Those who scored >8 for HADS-A and HADS-D and 3 and above for BIDQ had a follow up diagnostic clinical interview based on the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) for diagnosis.RESULTS: Out of the 50% patients, 76% were female, majority were married (54%) and College graduate (68%). The most common surgical procedure is EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment), followed by rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty (16%). 18% of the patients had probable anxiety, 6% depression and 6% BDD. Upon further clinical interview, 2 (4%) were diagnosed with mild BDD, 2 (4%) had panic disorder without agoraphobia and 1 (2%) had generalized anxiety disorder. No patient was clinically depressed. The 3 patients who were positive in BIDQ were likewise positive in HADS-A.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anxiety was high (18%) in the subject population. However, BDD was lower (4%) than expected in the cosmetic surgery subjects. A high proportion of the participants had significant body image concerns.