Basanti 27 years old female thinks her nose is ugly. Her idea is fixed and not shared by anyone else. Whenever she goes out of the home she hides her face. She visits a surgeon for plastic surgery. Next step would be-
**Core Concept**
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent preoccupation with a perceived flaw in one's appearance, which is not shared by others, leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Basanti's preoccupation with her nose being ugly, despite others not sharing her concern, is a classic symptom of BDD. Her avoidance of social situations due to hiding her face is also indicative of the disorder. The next step would be to refer her to a psychiatrist or a mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment, rather than a surgeon for plastic surgery. This is because BDD often requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach, including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, to address the underlying psychological issues.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Referring Basanti to a surgeon for plastic surgery would be inappropriate, as it would focus solely on the physical aspect of her concern, rather than addressing the underlying psychological issues driving her behavior.
* **Option B:** Prescribing Basanti medication for anxiety or depression without a proper diagnosis and treatment plan would be premature and potentially ineffective.
* **Option D:** Sending Basanti for a second opinion with another surgeon would not address the underlying psychological issues and may perpetuate the focus on physical appearance.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Body dysmorphic disorder often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. A comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional is essential to develop an effective treatment plan.
**Correct Answer:** C.