Case report: the girl who did not want to grow tall – a diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders share the core feature of disturbed body image. Literature on the nature of the relationship between these conditions is inconclusive, but has emphasized on differentiating one from the other as they respond differently to treatment. Furthermore, co-occurrence of these disorders has been described and is associated with more severe illness. Body dysmorphic disorder is categorized under obsessive compulsive and related disorders. We discuss the diagnostic dilemma posed by a 16 year old girl who presented with a restricted eating pattern due to intense fear of growing tall who had co-morbid obsessive compulsive disorder.

Keywords

• dysmorphic disorder, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder