EP084 - Sudden Hair Loss in Body Dysmorphic Disorder

This podcast is based on clinical scenarios from the official AMC Handbook of Clinical Assessment published by the Australian Medical Council. All cases are used solely for study and discussion. We provide personal learning insights and clinical interpretations to support AMC candidates in developing their clinical reasoning skills. The AMC Handbook is the intellectual property of the Australian Medical Council. To access the official material, please visit the AMC website.

This episode outlines a clinical scenario involving a 29-year-old man urgently seeking treatment for "sudden hair loss," presenting a diagnostic and communication skills challenge. The patient, a financial analyst, believes his perceived hair thinning is jeopardising his career promotion and social standing, leading to significant distress and obsessive self-scrutiny. The case guides the examiner through the patient's history, highlighting his long-standing preoccupation with appearance since adolescence and the impact of his current concerns on his professional and personal life. Ultimately, the case strongly suggests a diagnosis of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a condition characterised by intense preoccupation with imagined or slight flaws in appearance, often leading to compulsive behaviours and significant impairment.

#AMC #OSCE #ClinicalReasoning #MedicalEducation #IMGs #AustralianMedicalCouncil #BodyDysmorphia #BDD #HairLossAnxiety #AppearanceAnxiety #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfEsteem #CosmeticConcerns #Therapy #CBT #AnxietyDisorders