Understanding how to change visual perception in people with body dysmorphic disorder
Official title: Exogenous Modulation of Visual Perception And Connectivity in Body Dysmorphic Disorder (EMPAC-BDD)
Funded at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health · NIH-10655303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with body dysmorphic disorder see themselves and is trying to find new ways to help change those thoughts, using brain imaging and other techniques to understand how their minds work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toronto, Canada) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $136,369 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH128815-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10655303 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder who experience significant distress related to their appearance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have body dysmorphic disorder or those with other unrelated mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) perceive their appearance and explores ways to modify these perceptions. Using advanced techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and behavioral visual modulation, the study aims to identify the brain mechanisms that contribute to distorted self-image. By examining both global and local visual processing, the research seeks to develop noninvasive interventions that could help improve the quality of life for those affected by BDD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that help individuals with body dysmorphic disorder perceive themselves more accurately, reducing anxiety and improving overall mental health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in modifying visual perception in individuals with BDD, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feusner, Jamie — Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Study coordinator: Feusner, Jamie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.