Addressing body dysmorphic disorder through mindfulness: A new therapeutic frontier
Iris R He1, Alexandra Gaillard2, Susan Rossell1
1Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|March 27, 2025
Summary
Mindfulness-based interventions show promise for treating body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Integrating these strategies may improve outcomes for individuals with BDD, addressing key symptoms and barriers to care.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health
Background:
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) affects up to 2% of the population, but less than half seek treatment.
- Barriers to BDD treatment include poor insight, low professional awareness, and limited access to specialized care.
- Current BDD treatments offer modest symptom improvement, highlighting the need for accessible, effective approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) as an adjunct treatment for BDD.
- To provide evidence for integrating MBIs into BDD treatment protocols.
- To support mental health professionals in addressing BDD challenges.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging research on MBIs.
- Analysis of MBI efficacy in related disorders (eating disorders, social anxiety, OCD).
- Examination of mindfulness strategies relevant to BDD symptoms.
Main Results:
- MBIs have demonstrated efficacy in conditions with similar presentations to BDD.
- Mindfulness techniques may reduce BDD-specific symptoms like body image disturbance, anxiety, and repetitive thoughts.
- MBIs offer potential for increasing interoceptive awareness and reducing cognitive rigidity.
Conclusions:
- MBIs show promise as a valuable addition to existing BDD treatments.
- Integrating MBIs could enhance therapeutic outcomes for individuals with BDD.
- Further research and integration of MBIs are recommended for improved BDD care.
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