Role of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Patients With Postparalytic Facial Synkinesis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the role of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in patients with postparalytic facial nerve syndrome with synkinesis (PFS).

STUDY DESIGN

A single-center retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

A total of 221 adults (74% women; median age: 44 years; median duration since onset of facial palsy: 1.6 years) were included. To diagnose BDD, the BDD Munich Module was used. Associations with House-Brackmann grading, Stennert index grading, Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) survey, Facial Disability Index (FDI), general quality of life (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 59 patients (27%) were classified as patients with BDD. Significant associations were found between the diagnosis of BDD and female gender and lower FDI, FaCE, and SF-36 scores and higher BDI and LSAS scores. Multivariate analysis revealed BDI, FaCE total score, and FaCE social function subscore as independent factors associated with BDD.

CONCLUSION

BDD was a relevant diagnosis in patients with PFS. A higher BDD level was associated with general and facial-specific quality of life and more psychosocial disabilities. Optimal treatment of PFS has to include these nonmotor dysfunctions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2518-E2524, 2021.