Interpretation Bias Modification for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

The present study aims to examine the feasibility of a remote treatment for body dysmorphic disorder delivered via the Internet. To evaluate the efficacy of the IBM protocol we have developed in reducing negative appearance and evaluative related interpretations, we will conduct a two-arm randomized controlled trial over the internet. Individuals with a diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder (N = 40) will be randomized to one of two conditions: 1) IBM or 2) progressive muscle relaxation. Each condition will consist of eight 10-25 minute treatment sessions. Participants will complete two sessions per week for four weeks and will be administered assessments at pre-treatment, one week post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up. We hypothesize that: 1) IBM will lead to greater reductions in BDD symptoms than the PMR condition; 2) IBM will lead to greater reductions in depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation than the PMR condition; 3) IBM will lead to greater reductions in threat interpretations and greater increases in benign interpretations than the PMR condition; 4) The effects of condition on BDD symptoms will be mediated by changes in BDD-related interpretation bias; and 5) The effects of training in the IBM condition will be maintained at the 3-month follow-up assessments.

Inclusion criteria

• Current diagnosis of Body Dysmorphic Disorder according to DSM-5 criteria
• BDD-YBOCS score greater than or equal to 20
• Fluent in English
• No significant physical defect or flaw in appearance (e.g., disfiguration)

Exclusion criteria

• History of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder
• Current substance use disorder
• Unstable medication status (i.e. change in medication within the last month)
• Concurrent psychotherapy for appearance concerns
• Active and clinically significant suicidality