Understanding and Modifying Perceptual Distortions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the perceptual distortions experienced by individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and explores how these distortions can be modified using visual modulation techniques. By employing psychophysical experiments, the research aims to uncover the neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms contributing to these perceptual abnormalities. Participants will include individuals diagnosed with BDD, those with subclinical symptoms, and healthy controls, allowing for a comprehensive comparison. The findings will inform future interventions aimed at retraining perception in individuals with BDD.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Body dysmorphic disorder: Inclusion:

* males or females
* ages 18-40
* meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 (DSM-5) criteria for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
* have a Body Dysmorphic Disorder version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Scale (BDD-YBOCS) score of ≥20
* primary appearance concerns of the face or head area
* medication naïve or medication free for at least 8 weeks prior to enrollment

Inclusion Criteria:

Subclinical body dysmorphic disorder: Inclusion:

* males or females
* ages 18-40
* have a score on the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire of ≥8 \[1 standard deviation (STD) above population norms\] - primary appearance concerns of the face or head area
* medication naïve or medication free for at least 8 weeks prior to enrollment

Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy controls: Inclusion

* Healthy males and females from any racial or ethnic background - ages 18-40
* have a score on the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire of \<8

Exclusion Criteria:

Body dysmorphic disorder: Exclusion

* concurrent major Axis I disorders including substance use disorders, aside from anxiety disorders or depressive disorders, as these comorbidities are very common and the sample would otherwise be non-representative; however BDD must be the primary diagnosis.
* lifetime: bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder.
* psychotropic medications, aside from a short half-life sedative/hypnotic for insomnia, or a short half-life benzodiazepine as needed for anxiety but not exceeding a frequency of 3 doses in one week and not to be taken on the days of the training or MRI scan
* current cognitive-behavioral therapy

Exclusion:

Subclinical body dysmorphic disorder: Exclusion

* meet full DSM-5 criteria for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
* current Axis I disorders including substance use disorders
* lifetime: bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder
* psychotropic medications, aside from a short half-life sedative/hypnotic for insomnia, or a short half-life benzodiazepine as needed for anxiety but not exceeding a frequency of 3 doses in one week and not to be taken on the days of the training or MRI scan
* current cognitive-behavioral therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

Healthy Controls: Exclusion

* Any current Axis I disorder
* lifetime: bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder
* Psychiatric medication

Exclusion Criteria:

All participants: Exclusion

* Neurological disorder
* Pregnancy
* Current major medical disorders that may affect cerebral metabolism such as diabetes or thyroid disorders - Current risk of suicide with a plan and intent
* Ferromagnetic metal implantations or devices (electronic implants or devices, infusion pumps, aneurysm clips, metal fragments or foreign bodies, metal prostheses, joints, rods or plates)
* Visual acuity worse than 20/35 for each eye as determined by Snellen close vision acuity chart (vision will be tested with corrective lenses if participant uses them).

Where it's running

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jamie D Feusner, M.D. — Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Study coordinator: Research Analyst
• Email: bdd.research@camh.ca
• Phone: (416) 535-8501

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.