Modifying interpretation biases in body dysmorphic disorder: Evaluation of a brief computerized treatment.
Individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD; N = 40) were enrolled in a randomized, four-session trial comparing interpretation bias modification (IBM) training designed to target social evaluation- and appearance-related interpretation biases with a placebo control training condition (PC). Sessions took place over the course of two weeks (two sessions per week). Analyses indicated that, relative to the PC condition, IBM led to a significant increase in benign biases and reduction in threat biases at post-treatment. IBM also led to greater reductions in BDD symptoms compared to PC, though this effect was present at high but not low levels of pre-treatment BDD symptoms. Additionally, compared to PC, IBM led to lower urge to check and lower fear in response to an in vivo appearance-related stressor (having their picture taken from different angles), though the latter effect was present only among those reporting elevated fear at pre-treatment. The effects of treatment on interpretation biases and BDD symptoms were largely maintained at a one-month follow-up assessment. Moderated-mediation analyses showed that change in threat bias mediated the effect of condition on post-treatment symptoms for individuals high in pre-treatment BDD symptoms. The current study provides preliminary support for the efficacy of IBM for BDD.
Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
Berta J
BJ
Summers
Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA. Electronic address: cougle@psy.fsu.edu.
Jesse R
JR
Cougle
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000070379:Attentional Bias; D057215:Body Dysmorphic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D055815:Young Adult
Body dysmorphic disorder; Cognitive bias modification; Interpretation; In vivo task; Treatment