Quantifying body size estimation accuracy and body dissatisfaction in body dysmorphic disorder using a digital avatar

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterized by body image disturbance.
• Quantification of body image disturbances in BDD, specifically body size estimation (BSE) accuracy and body dissatisfaction, has been limited.
• Digital avatar technology offers a novel approach to quantify these disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify body image disturbances in individuals with BDD using a digital avatar tool (Somatomap 3D).
• To assess body size estimation (BSE) accuracy and body dissatisfaction in BDD.
• To explore the relationship between BSE accuracy, body dissatisfaction, and BDD symptom severity.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-one adults (31 with BDD, 30 healthy controls) used Somatomap 3D to create avatars of their current and ideal bodies.
• 23 body part sizes and lengths were altered digitally and compared to physical measurements.
• Generalized estimating equations analyzed BSE accuracy and body dissatisfaction in relation to BDD severity.

Main Results:

• Individuals with BDD exhibited significant over- and under-estimation of specific body parts compared to controls.
• BDD group desired significantly thinner body parts.
• Worse BSE accuracy was associated with greater body dissatisfaction and poorer insight in individuals with BDD.

Conclusions:

• The Somatomap 3D digital avatar tool effectively quantifies body image disturbances in BDD.
• Findings suggest both perceptual (BSE accuracy) and cognitive/affective (body dissatisfaction, insight) components contribute to BDD.
• This technology may aid in understanding and potentially treating BDD.