Cognitive Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

A Therapy Study
 

What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder? 

The “Body Dysmorphic Disorder” characterizes the intense preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws in the appearance. The most common complaints are facial blemishes (such as nose, wrinkles, pores, scars). All other parts of the body can also be the focus of attention. A special form of this disorder is called “muscle dysmorphia”, in which men in particular are convinced that they are insufficiently muscular or too slim. The affected people are mentally distracted for up to several hours, perform ritualized behaviors (e.g., control rituals in front of the mirror, comparing their own appearance with others, hiding the blemish with make-up or other aids) or avoid situations in which the flaw could be seen by others. The disorder can be associated with intense suffering and extreme impairment in various areas of life (school, job, leisure time, everyday life). Depression, hopelessness, social anxiety, isolation, shame or disgust are common side effects.  

What is the study about? Aim of the study:

Evaluation of the efficacy of cognitive therapy on body dysmorphic disorder. The cognitive therapy should improve the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder in the long term. In order to obtain scientifically correct results of efficacy, a random assignment to two treatment groups is necessary: 1. Cognitive therapy 2. Waiting List (3 months) Patients assigned to the waiting list will also receive a cognitive therapy at the end of the waiting list period.    

Contents of the cognitive therapy:

In cognitive therapy, individual sustaining processes (such as concentration on self and the flaw, detail-oriented perception, mental images, memories, negative emotions, thoughts and beliefs, rituals) are identified and skills are trained in order to counteract these processes.  

Duration of the study:

The treatment lasts 7 months and includes 25 sessions, taking place at weekly intervals. During the treatment, two intermediate screenings will be performed. 3 and 6 months after the end of the therapy, two follow-up screenings will be performed.  

How is the procedure? 

It is an individual therapy done by specially trained and experienced psychotherapists. After the so-called probatory sessions, 25 therapy sessions will follow. If you are interested in participating, you will be invited to two diagnostic interviews to see if you qualify to participate in this study. During the study you will also be asked to participate in further diagnostic tests (during therapy, at the end of therapy, 3 and 6 months after the end of therapy). In this way we try to become aware of your well-being as well as the progress and success of the therapy both by having a conversation and by means of questionnaires. 

Participation Requirements

  • Age between 18 and 70 years
  • Presence of a body dysmorphic disorder 
  • Absence of any kind of substance dependence (alcohol, drugs, medication)  

Contact Details 

Contact Person: Anja Lehmann, M. Sc. Psych.Tel: 069-798-23988Email: lehmann@psych.uni-frankfurt.de  Outside office hours, you can speak your name and phone number to an answering machine. We will call you back as soon as possible. 

Responsible Managers 

Dr. Viktoria Ritter
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Stangier