Web-Based Therapist-Guided Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition marked by obsessions with perceived appearance flaws.
• Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness interventions show efficacy for various mental health issues.
• This study investigates web-based therapist-guided CBT incorporating mindfulness (CBT-M) for BDD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of web-based CBT-M for BDD.
• To determine if mindfulness meditation enhances CBT treatment outcomes for BDD.
• To evaluate CBT-M's impact on BDD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and pain.

Main Methods:

• An 8-week, 2-arm, parallel pilot randomized controlled trial.
• 28 adults (18-55 years) were randomized to web-based therapist-guided CBT-M or CBT.
• Outcomes included BDD, depression, anxiety, and pain severity, measured at baseline and postintervention.

Main Results:

• The study was feasible and accepted by participants.
• Both groups showed significant improvements in all measured outcomes.
• Large effect sizes favoring CBT-M were observed for BDD severity, depression, and pain, though not statistically significant between groups.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness meditation may augment the benefits of web-based CBT for BDD.
• Further adequately powered randomized controlled trials of web-based CBT-M for BDD are recommended.