2 In Zoom dysmorphia, continued dissatisfaction with one’s personal appearance combined with prolonged exposure to the perceived unsettling image may have an even greater potential to trigger or worsen BDD, making this recent phenomenon a growing concern. 1 Unlike Snapchat, Zoom shows images in real time and provides minimal ability to enhance or alter the video image that is visible to others. This phenomenon, known as Snapchat dysmorphia, caused worldwide concern for its potential to precipitate or worsen body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which is characterized by excessive preoccupation with an imagined or minor physical imperfection. Consequently, esthetic professionals began to receive requests from patients who wanted to look identical to their filtered image. Prior to the advent of Zoom, individuals could edit or enhance still digital images of themselves by making cosmetic changes (e.g., removing acne, adding makeup, altering the nose) to create a filtered image that was more acceptable to them. Videoconferencing via Zoom, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, and similar programs (henceforth collectively referred to as “Zoom”) has become the primary means of communication for work, school, and social events during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

It is important to identify underlying BDD in Zoom-dysmorphic patients and to use published guidelines, multimodal treatment strategies, and individual patient response to determine the best approach for effective BDD management. Owing to the lack of FDA-approved agents for BDD, treatment involves psychosocial and pharmacologic therapies that target the underlying issues.

As a result, Zoom dysmorphia-which can potentially cause or worsen body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)-is a growing concern. Many people are using videoconferencing via Zoom and similar programs as a means of communication for work, school, and social events. ABSTRACT: The coronavirus 2019 pandemic has caused dramatic changes in daily life, primarily in terms of social connections.

What is zoom dysmorphia