Clinical Trial: Study of Patients With Body Image Issues Treated With 2 Different Behavioral Interventions

Study Status: Terminated
Recruit Status: Unknown status
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Crooked Mirror Externalization Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Brief Summary: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a disabling condition that until recently has been largely ignored. Sufferers of BDD worry excessively and unreasonably about some flaw in their appearance that may be minimal or even nonexistent. These internalized body image distortions prompt sufferers to constantly check the perceived defects in mirrors, seek reassurance of their images from others, obtain unnecessary cosmetic and/or dermatological procedures, and even conduct self-surgeries. These obsessive concerns and compulsive behaviors cause significant emotional distress and often significantly interfere with global functioning. Currently, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in conjunction with psychopharmacology is the preferred treatment for BDD. In addition, two relatively new exposure techniques ("mirror retraining method" and "crooked mirror externalization therapy") that utilize mirrors to exaggerate the patient's imagined defect appear to increase the benefits of CBT. However, the treatment efficacies of these relatively novel methods have not been rigorously tested or methodologically compared. Although six out of seven patients treated with crooked mirror externalization therapy at the Westwood Institute for Anxiety Disorders, Inc. demonstrated significant gains, the small sample size does not allow for any significant generalizations. Thus, the goals of this project are: 1) to determine the efficacy of exposure therapy that utilizes mirrors in the treatment of BDD, and 2) to evaluate the level of effectiveness of the mirror retraining method versus the crooked mirror externalization therapy. To accomplish these goals, each subject taking part in the study will do the following. They will go through an in-depth interview with the study physician, Dr. Kagan, and complete several clinical assessment questionnaires to confirm that they have BDD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). They w

Detailed Summary:

Screening: Potential subjects who call the Westwood Institute for Anxiety Disorders, Inc. requesting treatment will be given details about the study by a trained research assistant. Any questions that potential subjects have will be addressed. If subjects are interested, they will be invited to be screened to determine whether they meet initial criteria for the study. Potential subjects will be told that all information gathered during screening is confidential. If a potential subject does not meet inclusion criteria, or decides not to participate, the screening information will be destroyed. This information is then passed to the study physician, Dr. Kagan, who will contact potential subjects to make an appointment for further evaluation. Potential subjects are encouraged to discuss their possible participation in this study with their physician, therapist, and/or family members. They are also encouraged to write down questions they would like to ask the study physician upon further evaluation. This screening process is done as part of the research process.

Further Evaluation: After the initial telephone screening, potential subjects will meet with the principal investigator, Dr. Eda Gorbis, who will ask the subject to sign an informed consent form (ICF). The research procedures and treatment will be described in detail to the subject and any questions will be answered by the principal investigator. The ICF will be signed by the subject and the principal investigator, agreeing to those procedures in the study that are considered research, acknowledging that their participation is voluntary, and that they have been informed of the risks and benefits of the study. Research procedures include cognitive testing, standardized rating scales, and clinical assessment questionnaires discussed below.

When the ICF is signed, the pot
Sponsor: Westwood Institute for Anxiety Disorders, Inc

Current Primary Outcome: Measure of change in the presence and severity of BDD before and after treatment [ Time Frame: Day 1 and at 1 month ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Measure of change in the presence and type of BDD symptoms before and after treatment [ Time Frame: Day 1 and at 1 month ]

Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Westwood Institute for Anxiety Disorders, Inc

Dates:
Date Received: March 7, 2011
Date Started: April 2007
Date Completion:
Last Updated: March 14, 2011
Last Verified: March 2011