There has not been a comprehensive comparison of differences between men and women with
body dysmorphic disorder (
BDD) for approximately two decades. Major social and technological changes over this time may have changed patterns of bodily concerns and symptom profile among men and women with
BDD, thus warranting an updated assessment of gender differences.
BDD symptomatology, insight, and associated clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were compared between 49 women and 27 men with
BDD. Skin was the most common concern for both men and women. Women showed more concerns than men about the appearance of their legs. Men were more concerned about muscularity/body build. Women demonstrated significantly more severe distress associated with
BDD behaviours, and poorer illness insight than men. Age at
BDD onset, illness duration, as well as mean severity of depression, anxiety, stress, and social anxiety were similar across the genders. These data suggest that the most common body areas of concern in people with
BDD have not dramatically changed over the past two decades. However, the finding of worse insight among women is novel, and suggests a need for further investigation.