When the Mirror Is Wrong — group therapy combining Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion for body image concerns
When The Mirror Is Wrong: A Multi-Method Efficacy Study Of An Acceptance And Compassion-Based Group Intervention For Body Dysmorphia
NA · University of Coimbra · NCT07036744
This project will test a group program that combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion-focused techniques to see if it helps adults with body dysmorphic disorder reduce distress and improve daily functioning.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Coimbra (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Coimbra, Coimbra District) |
| Trial ID | NCT07036744 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
MIND-over-MIRROR is a novel group-based program that integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with compassion-focused strategies to target intrusive appearance preoccupations and repetitive behaviors in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The trial will recruit Portuguese-speaking adults aged 18–65 who meet cutoff scores on the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI ≥ 21) and Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ ≥ 9). Sessions are delivered in person at CINEICC, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, with exclusions for pregnancy, active suicidal ideation, unstable medication, or concurrent psychotherapy. Outcomes will include symptom severity, psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and functional impairment as a preliminary test of efficacy and cultural adaptation for Portugal.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Portuguese-speaking adults (18–65) with BDD who score above the AAI and DCQ cutoffs, are not pregnant, have been on stable medication for at least two months if medicated, and are not currently receiving other psychological treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with active suicidal ideation, unstable psychiatric medication, current enrollment in other psychotherapy, pregnant individuals, or those unable to attend in-person sessions in Coimbra are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could offer an accessible, culturally adapted group treatment in Portugal that reduces BDD symptoms and improves quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: There is some prior evidence that ACT and compassion-focused approaches can help body-image and related disorders, but this combined group format for BDD is relatively novel and only preliminarily tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18-65 years; * Fluent Portuguese speakers; * Over the cut-off score for the AAI (≥ 21) and the DCQ (≥ 9); Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant; * If medicated, not stabilized for at least 2 months * Currently under other clinical psychology intervention; * Current suicidal ideation;
Where this trial is running
Coimbra, Coimbra District
- CINEICC, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra — Coimbra, Coimbra District, Portugal (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria Coimbra, MSc — CINEICC, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra
- Study coordinator: Maria Coimbra, MSc
- Email: maria.rcoimbra@gmail.com
- Phone: +351916775055
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.
Conditions: Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Dysmorphic Concern, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion, Psychological Flexibility, online group intervention