Dysmorphia

A view beyond perception

Abstract

Objective: To analyze dysmorphia from clinical, social, and cultural perspectives, highlighting the challenges in its diagnosis and therapeutic management, as well as the importance of raising awareness among healthcare professionals and society about the complexity of this disorder.

Methods: This article draws on the systematization of the keynote lecture presented at the XXX ACMI–ACP Congress. The information was organized around the thematic axes addressed by the speaker and complemented with current theoretical references that support the discussion.

Results: Three central lines were identified: first, the difficulty in recognizing dysmorphia due to the cultural normalization of body dissatisfaction; second, the impact of social and media contexts on the perception of body image; and third, the urgent need for an interdisciplinary approach that integrates clinical practice with education, mental health, and medical ethics.

Conclusions: Dysmorphia represents a growing challenge in medical practice and public health. Early recognition, comprehensive management, and the destigmatization of the disorder are essential for developing effective and humane interventions.