Examining memory performance in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): A comparison study with obsessive compulsive disorder...

Area of Science:

• Neuropsychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are distinct conditions.
• Previous research suggests overlapping cognitive deficits.
• This study directly compares memory function in BDD and OCD for the first time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate similarities and differences in memory function between BDD and OCD.
• To explore the neuropsychological basis for classifying BDD within the obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRDs) spectrum.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 19 BDD patients, 15 OCD patients, and 26 healthy controls.
• Administered Wechsler Memory Scale subtests (logical memory, verbal paired association, digit span, spatial span).
• Included Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT) for visual-spatial memory assessment.

Main Results:

• Both BDD and OCD groups performed worse than controls on most memory tasks.
• Immediate verbal paired associate memory was similar across all groups.
• BDD and OCD showed deficits in auditory-verbal memory.
• BDD group uniquely demonstrated deficits in visual memory (spatial span, RCFT).

Conclusions:

• Memory deficits in BDD and OCD are largely similar, particularly in the verbal domain.
• BDD patients exhibit additional visual working memory impairments.
• Neuropsychological findings support the inclusion of BDD within the OCRDs spectrum in DSM-5.