Investigating Mental Status and Body Image in Cosmetic Surgery Applicants in Comparison with Non-applicants

Abstract

Introduction: Today revising and rethinking of the appearance and eliminating its flaws, real or imaginary, through cosmetic surgery is the main concern of some individuals. This study was conducted in order to compare the body image, depression and anxiety disorders between applicants of cosmetic surgery and non-applicants. Methods: The present study is of cause–comparison type. Cosmetic surgery applicants involved 62 participants who were selected by available sampling from those who referred to specialized centers for cosmetic surgery in Urumia during a three-month period; the non-applicants were homogenized with applicants regarding their age, gender, and level of education who were selected from the applicants’ relatives. So the study subjects were 124 individuals. Data were collected via a questionnaire about demographic characteristics, SCL-90-R and PSDQ questionnaires. The data were submitted to SPSS (ver. 16) and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariable analysis of variance (MANOVA), and t-test. Results: Results showed that there is a significant difference between applicants for cosmetic surgery and non-applicants in regard to body image, depression and anxiety disorders. Conclusion: Like other medical specialties, cosmetic surgical interventions should undergo precise clinical trial before exerting on the patients. Therefore, Assessment and encouraging patients to refer to psychiatrists and consultants before operation is significant.

Keywords

• Anxiety Disorders
• Phobic Disorders
• Obsessive- Compulsive Disorders
• Depression
• Body Image
• Surgery
• Plastic