Body dysmorphic disorder

Normal, Healthy Adults Wanted

mood3 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:02:25 +0000

Project:

Distinct and Common Phenotypes of Anorexia Nervosa and Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Study Detail

NORMAL, HEALTHY ADULTS WANTED

Subjects will receive;

* A functional MRI Scan of the brain

* Psychiatric Evaluation

* Payment for Participation

The UCLA Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Eating Disorder Programs are looking for control subjects to participate in a study on Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa

Pre-conditions:

You may be eligible if you:

have no history of psychiatric disorders
are in good physical health
are not taking any psychiatric medications
are 13 to 64 years of age
are right-handed

More information and application

Contact details:

Study is conducted by Jamie Feusner, M.D. and Michael Strober, Ph.D.

For more information call (310) 206-0468.

IRB Flyer:

AN_BDD_color_flyers_09-01-025-01A 3.pdf

Renewal Date:

2010, January 21

Body dysmorphic disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder - Current and Previous Research

mood3 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:05:15 +0000

We are interested in understanding the brain basis of abnormal visual and emotional processing that may underlie disorders of body image

Body dysmorphic disorder

Distinct and Common Phenotypes of Anorexia Nervosa and Body Dysmorphic Disorder

mood3 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:37:24 +0000

Project summary

The purpose of this study is to characterize shared and unique brain circuits associated with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Anorexia Nervosa (AN) using a set of functional neuroimaging experiments. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and anorexia nervosa (AN) are severe and disabling psychiatric disorders that share many clinical features such as distorted body image, overvaluation of appearance for self-worth, yet they are currently classified in separate diagnostic categories. Despite their significant morbidity and mortality, very little research has been conducted to compare and contrast these disorders in order to understand the underlying neurobiology of shared and unique clinical phenotypes.

An important shared clinical phenotype in BDD and AN is perceptual distortion of appearance, which may contribute to distorted body image. There is early evidence of similar, common phenotypes of disturbances in visual perception and visuospatial processing in BDD and AN, as evidenced clinically and from neuropsychological testing. However, little is known of the underlying neurobiological processes that mediate these. A preliminary functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study by our group in adults with BDD demonstrated abnormal activation in left hemisphere regions responsible for high-detail processing when viewing others’ faces. A more recent study in BDD demonstrated no abnormalities of primary emotional processing regions when viewing own-faces. AN, on the other hand, is often characterized by early, childhood-onset anxiety in addition to extreme fears of weight gain. However, no study has specifically examined fear processing in AN nor compared it to BDD.

The goal of the proposed study is to define the distinct and common phenotypes of visual and emotional processing in BDD and AN that map onto specific brain systems. This study will enroll 20 subjects with BDD, 20 with weight-restored AN, and 20 healthy controls. We will study individuals of ages 16 and older, in order to capture those who are the beginning stages of these illnesses. fMRI will be used to identify key abnormalities in brain systems associated with visual and emotional processing. Based on the previous fMRI paradigm in BDD, and other previous studies suggesting abnormalities of detail-processing in AN, this study will investigate visual processing of others’ faces and non-face objects (houses) using different types of visual images that convey high, low, or normal level of detail. To compare and contrast patterns of emotional processing, this study will use fearful face stimuli to understand common or distinct brain activity patterns associated with emotional reactivity, regulation, and habituation.

There is increasing awareness that our current categorically defined psychiatric disorders lack validity given symptom overlap, longitudinal shifts in symptom expression, and the absence of unique and singular biological markers. Therefore, bridging the study of overlapping disorders is a potential means of identifying shared and dissociable, illness-specific defects in causative mechanisms. A better understanding will help improve classification schemes and guide future research aimed at prevention, recovery, and cure.

Current status:

Project live

Investigators

Primary Investigator:

Jamie Feusner

Body dysmorphic disorder

Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

mood3 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:47:04 +0000

Fortunately, treatment is available and can often result in significant improvements in BDD symptoms.

What is effective?

Studies have shown that treatment with medications and/or cognitive-behavioral therapy can result in significant improvement in symptoms and functioning.

Body dysmorphic disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Program Faculty and Staff

mood3 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:14:51 +0000

Faculty and Staff

Principal Investigator:

Body dysmorphic disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms

mood3 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:04:22 +0000

How do I know if I have body dysmorphic disorder?

Here are questions that might help you decide if you are experiencing symptoms of BDD:

Body dysmorphic disorder

Publications, Media and Online Material - Body Dysmorphic Disorder

mood3 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:01:21 +0000

Websites:

BBD Central www.bddcentral.com
Los Angeles Body Dysmorphic Disorder Clinic www.bddclinic.com
Dr.