Online Program for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Overseen By Jessica Baker

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Equip Health

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

75 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This present study will examine the effectiveness of a single session, virtually delivered body empowerment program for decreasing participants thin ideal internalization. The intervention asks participants to identify cultural norms surrounding appearance and attractiveness, then challenge these ideals. Participants will answer questions about thin ideal internalization before and after the program.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for body dysmorphic disorder?

Research shows that internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for treating body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Studies found that online CBT can improve symptoms, insight, and quality of life for people with BDD, making it a promising and accessible treatment option. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the online program for body dysmorphic disorder safe for humans?

The studies on internet-based treatments for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) suggest that these programs are generally safe, with no significant safety concerns reported. However, adherence to the program was low, and dropout rates were high, indicating that while the treatment is safe, maintaining participation can be challenging. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

How does the online program for body dysmorphic disorder differ from other treatments?

The online program for body dysmorphic disorder is unique because it offers cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) through the internet, making it more accessible to people who might not have access to traditional face-to-face therapy. This internet-based approach allows for therapist guidance remotely, which can help overcome geographical and logistical barriers to receiving treatment. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 who can access the internet and understand English. They must have completed a body empowerment program designed to help with Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Inclusion Criteria

You are able to speak and understand English.

You can reliably use the internet.

You have finished the body empowerment program.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Intervention

Participants complete a single 45-minute self-paced, interactive, virtual body empowerment module

1 session

1 virtual session

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in thin ideal internalization immediately after the intervention

1 week

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Virtual single session intervention

Trial Overview The study tests a virtual single session intervention aimed at reducing thin ideal internalization by having participants question societal beauty standards before and after the session.

Participant Groups

Group I: Body empowerment intervention program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All study participants will complete a single session body empowerment program.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Equip Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

80+

Findings from Research

A 12-week study involving 94 adults with body dysmorphic disorder showed that therapist-guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (BDD-NET) significantly reduced symptoms compared to supportive therapy, with a group difference of -7.1 points on the BDD-YBOCS scale.

At the six-month follow-up, 56% of participants receiving BDD-NET were classified as responders, indicating a ≥30% reduction in symptoms, compared to only 13% in the supportive therapy group, highlighting the efficacy of BDD-NET in improving mental health outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Therapist guided internet based cognitive behavioural therapy for body dysmorphic disorder: single blind randomised controlled trial. Enander, J., Andersson, E., Mataix-Cols, D., et al.[2018]

A 12-week internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) was successfully delivered to 32 participants across nine countries, showing significant improvements in symptom severity as measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale for BDD (BDD-YBOCS).

The treatment was found to be safe and acceptable, with 50% of participants responding positively by the 3-month follow-up, and remission rates increasing to 44%, indicating that remote CBT can effectively reach diverse populations without geographical restrictions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Internet-based, therapist-guided, cognitive-behavioural therapy for body dysmorphic disorder with global eligibility for inclusion: an uncontrolled pilot study. Gentile, AJ., La Lima, C., Flygare, O., et al.[2020]

The Internet-based CBT program for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD-NET) was well-received by patients and resulted in significant symptom improvement, with 82% of participants showing at least a 30% reduction in severity after 12 weeks of treatment.

The program demonstrated large effect sizes in reducing BDD symptoms (Cohen's d=2.01) and also improved secondary outcomes like depression and quality of life, suggesting it could effectively increase access to CBT for individuals with BDD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Therapist-guided, Internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD-NET): a feasibility study. Enander, J., Ivanov, VZ., Andersson, E., et al.[2022]

A pilot study involving 10 adults with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) tested a smartphone-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and found it to be feasible and acceptable, with no participants dropping out.

Results showed significant improvements in BDD symptoms, insight, functional impairment, and quality of life, with 90% of participants responding positively by the end of treatment and at a 3-month follow-up, indicating strong potential for this digital therapy as a low-cost and accessible treatment option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and Pilot Testing of a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Digital Service for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Wilhelm, S., Weingarden, H., Greenberg, JL., et al.[2020]

A guided internet-based intervention for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) showed a significant improvement in participants' satisfaction with their appearance, with a moderate effect size (d = 0.58), despite challenges in study execution.

The intervention had low adherence and a high dropout rate (55.6%), suggesting that future programs may need to incorporate better motivation strategies and flexible support to address treatment barriers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Internet-Based Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Feasibility, Evaluation, and Self-Report Data. Schoenenberg, K., Bosbach, K., Baumeister, H., et al.[2023]

A pilot study involving 40 women with body dissatisfaction and disordered eating found that both face-to-face and Internet-based group interventions led to significant improvements in body dissatisfaction and disordered eating, which were maintained at a two-month follow-up.

There were no significant differences in outcomes between the two delivery methods, suggesting that Internet-based therapy could be an effective alternative to in-person sessions, especially for those facing geographical barriers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of internet and face-to-face delivery of a group body image and disordered eating intervention for women: a pilot study. Gollings, EK., Paxton, SJ.[2017]

Telephone-administered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) over 12 weeks showed clinically relevant reductions in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) symptoms for three out of four patients, highlighting its potential as an effective treatment option.

The study suggests that low-threshold interventions like telephone therapy can improve access to treatment for BDD, especially during barriers such as the COVID-19 pandemic, warranting further research into its efficacy and role in stepped-care models.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Telephone-Administered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Case Series. Drüge, M., Roth, T., Watzke, B.[2022]

The internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy program for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD-NET) showed sustained efficacy over a 2-year follow-up, with 69% of participants responding positively and 56% achieving remission from their symptoms.

Participants reported that the ability to access treatment from home was a significant factor in seeking help, highlighting BDD-NET's potential to improve access to effective therapy for individuals with BDD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term outcome of therapist-guided internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD-NET): a naturalistic 2-year follow-up after a randomised controlled trial. Enander, J., Ljótsson, B., Anderhell, L., et al.[2020]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Therapist guided internet based cognitive behavioural therapy for body dysmorphic disorder: single blind randomised controlled trial. [2018]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Internet-based, therapist-guided, cognitive-behavioural therapy for body dysmorphic disorder with global eligibility for inclusion: an uncontrolled pilot study. [2020]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Therapist-guided, Internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD-NET): a feasibility study. [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and Pilot Testing of a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Digital Service for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. [2020]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Internet-Based Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Feasibility, Evaluation, and Self-Report Data. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of internet and face-to-face delivery of a group body image and disordered eating intervention for women: a pilot study. [2017]

7. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Telephone-Administered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Case Series. [2022]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term outcome of therapist-guided internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD-NET): a naturalistic 2-year follow-up after a randomised controlled trial. [2020]