The investigators are developing and testing a Smartphone-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) "app" for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The investigators hypothesize that app-based CBT for BDD will be feasible and acceptable to individuals with BDD, and will improve body image concerns and related outcomes.
The primary aims of this study are to develop and test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a Smartphone-based CBT treatment for adults with BDD. This project aims to solve two healthcare problems: poor access to empirically-supportive treatment for BDD, and challenges of generalizing CBT skills outside therapy sessions. Inadequate treatment access is due to limited professionals offering this specialized treatment, economic barriers, and shame preventing sufferers from seeking in-person care. Mobile app-based CBT would solve this access gap by addressing each of these barriers. Among those who obtain CBT, practicing skills outside of therapy is critical for treatment effectiveness, as BDD symptoms occur around-the-clock and can be most impairing at home. However, BDD patients struggle to use skills without therapists' in-person support. App-based CBT that provides on-hand skills coaching addresses this treatment generalization challenge. This study involves developing the app-based CBT for BDD treatment, and then investigating the initial feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the app-based treatment in an open pilot trial (N = 10), consisting of 12-weeks of active treatment plus a 6-month follow up period.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
12-week Smartphone delivered CBT for BDD. In-person cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an empirically supported treatment for BDD. The app-delivered CBT in this project includes modules such as cognitive skills (e.g., cognitive restructuring, core belief work), behavioral skills (e.g., exposure with ritual prevention), and perceptual retraining/mindfulness skills.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Treatment Completion Rates
Number of subjects who completed the app-based treatment to assess feasibility and acceptability
Time frame: Post treatment assessment (12 weeks)
Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ). This Measure Will be Used to Assess Change Over the Course of Treatment Twice Throughout the Study (Over Approximately 10 Months Total).
The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ) is a 25-item self-report questionnaire which assesses the satisfaction with clinical services received. Total scores range from 8 to 32, with the higher number indicating greater satisfaction.
Time frame: Post-treatment assessment (week 12)
Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for BDD (BDD-YBOCS). This Measure Will be Used to Assess Change Over the Course of Treatment at Five Time Points Throughout the Study (Over Approximately 10 Months Total).
The BDD-YBOCS is the gold-standard, semi-structured clinician-administered assessment of BDD severity. It contains 12 items ranging from 0 to 4, which are summed to generate a total score (range = 0 to 48). Higher scores indicate more severe BDD symptoms. The BDD-YBOCS will be used to assess change in BDD symptoms from baseline to endpoint.
Time frame: Post-treatment assessment (week 12)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.