Understanding and Modifying Perceptual Distortions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Neural Mechanisms of Perceptual Abnormalities and Their Malleability in Body Dysmorphic Disorder
This study is testing if new visual techniques can help change the way people with body dysmorphic disorder see themselves and their appearance.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 146 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT04373629 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include males and females aged 18-40 who meet the DSM-5 criteria for body dysmorphic disorder or have subclinical symptoms related to appearance concerns.
Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbid psychiatric conditions or those currently on medication for BDD may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new therapeutic approaches that significantly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from body dysmorphic disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on the neurobiology of BDD, preliminary studies suggest that similar approaches to perceptual retraining may hold promise, though this specific methodology is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.