Brief assessment of negative dysmorphic signs

Abstract

Patrizia Fiori1, Antonio Monaco1, Maria Giannetti Luigi21Central Operative Unit of Neurology, 2Infantile Neuropsychiatry and Social Service, ASL AV, Civil Hospital of Ariano Irpino, University of Naples, ItalyAbstract: Body dysmorphic disorder is a body image dysperception, characterized either by an excessive preoccupation with a presumed or minimal flaw in appearance, or by unrecognition, denial, or even neglect regarding an obvious defect. These features are evaluated by a novel questionnaire, the Brief Assessment of Negative Dysmorphic Signs (BANDS). Moreover, the temperament and character background is examined. The relationship with addictive mentality/behavior and schizoaffectivity is also highlighted. Lastly, the potential shift toward cognitive impairment and dementia is considered.Keywords: body dysmorphic disorder, schizoaffectivity, addiction, behavioral-cognitive impairment