Hamilton Fraser Talks With Claire Newman About Identifying and Supporting Patients With Body Dysmorphic Disorder

In an interview with Hamilton Fraser ahead of her talk at the Aesthetics Business Conference on Tuesday 8 October 2024, Claire Newman, a mental health nurse and director of Soft Touches Aesthetics, shared her insights on the positive impacts of aesthetic procedures on mental health and the importance of recognising Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). As a practitioner, Claire emphasised the need to support patients with mental health challenges, particularly BDD, which is prevalent among those seeking aesthetic treatments.

Understanding BDD and aesthetic interventions

Claire’s session will focus on identifying and supporting patients with BDD, a critical topic because many individuals with BDD are drawn to cosmetic procedures. "Often, patients with BDD are more likely to seek aesthetic treatments rather than mental health services," she explained. Claire will explore how to identify these patients and discuss the broader mental health concerns that intersect with aesthetics, which she has addressed in audits over the past two years. Her talk at the Aesthetics Business Conference will delve into how understanding patients' mental health history is crucial to providing safe and appropriate care.

The fine line between aesthetic concerns and BDD

When asked about differentiating BDD from common aesthetic concerns, Claire noted that while BDD is rare, with less than one per cent of her patients showing signs, practitioners must be vigilant. "BDD is often mistaken for anxiety or depression, and sometimes, patients aren’t fully aware of their condition," she said. She stressed the importance of thorough consultations to understand a patient’s motivations and make sure that treatments align with their well-being.

Tools for identifying BDD

Claire highlighted that while tools and questionnaires can guide consultations, they shouldn’t be relied on exclusively. "BDD is an anxiety disorder, and its severity can fluctuate, so responses on a given day might not fully reflect a patient’s condition," she warned. Claire’s session will offer practical advice on how to assess patients beyond standard tools, emphasising the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship.

Addressing the impact of BDD and related mental health conditions

During the interview, Claire discussed the comorbidities often associated with BDD, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. "Many patients with BDD also struggle with other mental health issues," she explained, pointing out that these challenges should be taken into account during consultations. Claire’s approach prioritises understanding the broader context of each patient’s mental health, to minimise the risk of aesthetic procedures exacerbating existing conditions.

Managing expectations and supporting patients

Claire will also address how aesthetic treatments can improve self-esteem but may also worsen BDD if not handled carefully. "It’s crucial to manage expectations and make sure that both the practitioner and patient have a clear understanding of what’s achievable," she said. Claire’s talk at the Aesthetics Business Conference will provide insights on how to refuse treatment when necessary, particularly for patients with unrealistic expectations or underlying mental health conditions.

With the Aesthetics Business Conference 2024 less than a week away, Claire Newman’s session will offer invaluable guidance for practitioners on how to identify and support patients with BDD, making sure that mental health considerations are at the forefront of aesthetic practice.

Claire Newman will be speaking at the Aesthetics Business Conference, presented by Hamilton Fraser, on Identifying and supporting patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) from 15:50 to 16:15. For more information, visit Hamilton Fraser’s website.

To learn more about body dysmorphic disorder, see Hamilton Fraser’s article, ‘Body dysmorphic disorder: the role of the aesthetic practitioner’ and read the full interview with Claire, ‘Identifying and supporting patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): A conversation with Claire Newman’.