تصویر بدن، احساسات و استراتژی های کنترل در مقایسه با اختلالات خوردن و کنترل فکر در اختلال بدریخت انگاری بدن

Objective A disordered body image, emotions such as shame and disgust, and intrusive thoughts are described as important and interdependent features of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). However, research in this field is scarce and knowledge is often based on clinical observation. Methods The present study examined body image dimensions, emotions, and thought control strategies in individuals with: BDD (n = 31), anorexia nervosa (n = 32), bulimia nervosa (n = 34), and healthy controls (n = 33). Assessment was based on structured diagnostic interviews and self-report questionnaires. Results Individuals with BDD scored higher on psychosocial and appearance manipulation dimensions of body image compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, they reported higher psychosocial impairment due to appearance than both eating disorder groups. In terms of emotions, BDD subjects reported a higher degree of negative emotions compared to healthy controls, whereas no differences were found in comparison to eating-disordered patients. Individuals with BDD reported using maladaptive strategies such as worrying and confrontation more often than healthy controls, when encountering intrusive and unwanted thoughts. Conclusion The results indicate that individuals with BDD experience substantial psychosocial impairment due to appearance, high levels of various negative emotions and frequently use maladaptive thought control strategies.

Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) have a preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in their physical appearance. These defects or flaws are either not observable by others or appear to be only slight [1]. The most common body parts of concern are the skin, hair, or nose, but any part of the body may be included and often the preoccupation involves several body parts. Individuals with BDD frequently perform repetitive behaviors such as camouflaging their appearance, mirror checking or reassurance seeking. Distressing, recurrent and intrusive thoughts related to their appearance are reported to be common in BDD as well as feelings of shame, anxiety and hopelessness [2]. As a consequence individuals with BDD suffer from severe distress and substantial impairment in psychosocial functioning [3]. BDD is still an underrecognized disorder and only a small percentage of individuals with BDD is reported to receive empirically supported psychotherapy [4].