Nosology, clinical features, evaluation and management of penile dysmorphic disorder : A review of existing evidence

Abstract

Penile Dysmorphic Disorder (PDD) is the persistent anxiety andpreoccupation about having a small penis combined withrepetitive checking behaviors, leading to significant distressand/or impairment. Literature is scarce regarding the riskfactors, clinical features, and comprehensive management of PDD in men. There is a considerable degree of uncertaintyregarding the risk factors, nosological status, psychopathology,diagnosis, and management of PDD. The present review willprovide an overview of risk factors, patho-clinical features, anddiagnostic strategies using screening instruments specific toPDD. It also aims to summarize the multimodal treatmentoptions involved in managing PDD. The literature review showsthat though the psychopathological understanding of PDD is inits early stages, considerable knowledge has accrued over the pastfew years regarding the phenomenology and psychopathologyof PDD, which facilitates a better understanding of the disorderand guides appropriate surgical and/or psychologicalinterventions. Specialized psychotherapies such as psychosexualtherapy involving individuals and couples have been frequentlyused in individuals with PDD.