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Neurocognitive Functioning in Young Adults with Subclinical Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Austin W Blum1, Sarah A Redden2, Jon E Grant2
1Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC-3077, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA. ablum@uchicago.edu.
The Psychiatric Quarterly
|April 4, 2017
Summary
Individuals at risk of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) show impaired executive functioning, suggesting early cognitive changes precede BDD development. This study highlights potential early markers for BDD risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance.
- While BDD is recognized, its cognitive underpinnings and early indicators remain poorly understood.
- Identifying cognitive antecedents could aid in early detection and intervention for BDD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate executive functioning and decision-making in individuals at risk of developing BDD.
- To explore potential cognitive precursors to BDD using neuropsychological assessments.
- To differentiate cognitive profiles between individuals at risk for BDD and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A neuropsychological evaluation was conducted on non-treatment-seeking volunteers aged 18-29.
- Participants were categorized into two groups: those at risk of BDD (N=5) and healthy controls (N=82).
- Standardized tests including the One-Touch Stockings of Cambridge, Cambridge Gamble, and Spatial Working Memory tasks were administered, alongside the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Individuals at risk for BDD demonstrated significantly poorer performance on a key measure of executive function.
- Measures of risk-seeking behavior, decision-making quality, and spatial working memory were comparable between the at-risk group and controls.
- These findings indicate a selective deficit in executive functioning among those predisposed to BDD.
Conclusions:
- Selective executive functioning deficits may be present in individuals at risk for BDD before the onset of overt psychopathology.
- Executive function impairment could represent an early cognitive marker for BDD.
- Further research is warranted to explore the role of executive function in BDD etiology and progression.