Explore the vast range of titles available.

Evidence from past research suggests that behaviours and characteristics related to body dissatisfaction may be associated with greater instability of perceptual body image, possibly due to problems in the integration of body-related multisensory information. We investigated whether people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a condition characterised by body image disturbances, demonstrated enhanced susceptibility to the rubber hand illusion (RHI), which arises as a result of multisensory integration processes when a rubber hand and the participant's hidden real hand are stimulated in synchrony. Overall, differences in RHI experience between the BDD group and healthy and schizophrenia control groups (n = 17 in each) were not significant. RHI strength, however, was positively associated with body dissatisfaction and related tendencies. For the healthy control group, proprioceptive drift towards the rubber hand was observed following synchronous but not asynchronous stimulation, a typical pattern when inducing the RHI. Similar drifts in proprioceptive awareness occurred for the BDD group irrespective of whether stimulation was synchronous or not. These results are discussed in terms of possible abnormalities in visual processing and multisensory integration among people with BDD.

Background Although effective treatments are available, most individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) do not receive an appropriate diagnosis or treatment. We aimed to examine treatment utilization and barriers to treatment, and to identify associated socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Methods German individuals completed an online self-report survey of appearance concerns. A sample of N  = 429 individuals met criteria for BDD. We examined the frequency of treatment utilization and barriers, analyzed comparisons between treated and untreated individuals and assessed the relationships of socio-demographic and clinical features with mental health treatment utilization and treatment barriers, respectively. Results Only 15.2% of the individuals with BDD had been diagnosed with BDD, and lifetime rates of mental health treatment were low (39.9%). Individuals endorsed multiple barriers to mental health treatment, especially shame, low perceived need and a preference for cosmetic and medical treatments. Associated features were identified, including age, a BDD diagnosis, body dysmorphic symptom severity, a likely major depressive disorder, prior cosmetic surgery, and insight. Conclusions The results of this largest study to date highlight that BDD is still underrecognized and undertreated even in a country with extensive mental health care and few financial barriers. We discuss modifiable factors and strategies to foster awareness of BDD in sufferers and professionals to improve treatment dissemination and to reduce treatment barriers.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are characterized by distorted body image and are frequently co-morbid with each other, although their relationship remains little studied. While there is evidence of abnormalities in visual and visuospatial processing in both disorders, no study has directly compared the two. We used two complementary modalities--event-related potentials (ERPs) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)--to test for abnormal activity associated with early visual signaling. We acquired fMRI and ERP data in separate sessions from 15 unmedicated individuals in each of three groups (weight-restored AN, BDD, and healthy controls) while they viewed images of faces and houses of different spatial frequencies. We used joint independent component analyses to compare activity in visual systems. AN and BDD groups demonstrated similar hypoactivity in early secondary visual processing regions and the dorsal visual stream when viewing low spatial frequency faces, linked to the N170 component, as well as in early secondary visual processing regions when viewing low spatial frequency houses, linked to the P100 component. Additionally, the BDD group exhibited hyperactivity in fusiform cortex when viewing high spatial frequency houses, linked to the N170 component. Greater activity in this component was associated with lower attractiveness ratings of faces. Results provide preliminary evidence of similar abnormal spatiotemporal activation in AN and BDD for configural/holistic information for appearance- and non-appearance-related stimuli. This suggests a common phenotype of abnormal early visual system functioning, which may contribute to perceptual distortions.

A recent systematic review has demonstrated objective neurocognitive difficulties in people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Limited research has also shown that individuals with BDD frequently self-report cognitive difficulties, but little is known about how they understand these difficulties in relation to their disorder or daily and life functioning. This study aimed to comprehensively examine adults' perceptions of cognitive difficulties in BDD. A mixed-methods design was employed using an international online survey, which analysed quantitative and qualitative data (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis) of lived experiences of cognitive difficulties from participants who self-reported a BDD diagnosis or severe BDD symptomatology via the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (N = 433). Most participants (82%) endorsed significant cognitive difficulties they believed were linked to their disorder, with 75% reporting substantial effects on daily life and overall quality of life. Few had discussed these concerns with clinicians due to shame, misattribution, or uncertainty about their relevance. Participants expressed strong support for research into cognitive aspects of BDD. Perceived cognitive difficulties are widespread, distressing, and functionally impactful for individuals with BDD. These findings highlight the need for clinicians to actively assess cognitive difficulties, consider the possibility of co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, and incorporate this understanding into treatment planning to enhance engagement and therapeutic outcomes. Research Question(s) or Topic(s): How do adults with body dysmorphic disorder perceive their cognitive difficulties and what impacts do they report? Main Findings: Adults who reported a diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder or severe dysmorphic concerns described frequent cognitive difficulties they believed were connected to their condition. Most reported effects on daily functioning and quality of life, yet many had not discussed these concerns with clinicians due to shame, uncertainty about their cause, or not recognising their significance. Study Contributions: This study offers the most detailed account to date of how people with body dysmorphic disorder understand and experience their cognitive difficulties. It identifies barriers to disclosure, emphasises the need for clinicians to enquire proactively about cognitive concerns, and calls for further research to clarify their role in the disorder. •Most individuals with BDD report cognitive difficulties related to their symptoms.•Self-reported cognitive difficulties impact daily tasks and life goals.•Many participants lack treatment access but want to engage in research.

The prevalence of body image disorders and anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use is increasing, despite the evidence of their serious adverse health effects and despite the passage of laws regulating their sales. Here we review the evolution of the dual emerging epidemics of body image disorders and AAS use, adverse health effects of AASs, and the need for an integrated health policy and regulatory response. We searched for studies published prior to June 2018. Quality of evidence was low to moderate because of its observational nature; heterogeneity of eligibility criteria; variable doses; reliance on retrospective self-reported data in many studies; and variable quality of outcome ascertainment. Most AAS users are nonathlete young men, who use these substances to look lean and more muscular. Some of these men suffer from \"muscle dysmorphia,\" a form of body dysmorphic disorder. AASs has been associated with cardiovascular disorders, psychiatric disorders, AAS-withdrawal hypogonadism, infertility, neurotoxic effects, musculoskeletal injuries, liver toxicity, and needle-borne infections. Potential adverse effects may be compounded by the use of other substances (e.g., opioids) and high-risk behaviors. Unregulated Internet sales of AASs and selective androgen receptor modulators, which are easily purchased without a prescription, are of concern because of their potential to fuel the epidemic among adolescents and the military. Integrated nationwide efforts are necessary to raise public awareness of this epidemic, to study long-term health effects of AASs and treatment strategies, and to reform regulations to stem the epidemics of AAS use and body image disorders.

Background Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is associated with a self-perceived lack of size and muscularity, and is characterized by a preoccupation with and pursuit of a hyper-mesomorphic body. MD symptoms may hypothetically be more prevalent in bodybuilders (BBs) than in non-bodybuilder resistance trainers (NBBRTs). Objective Our objective was to compare MD symptomatology in BBs versus NBBRTs and identify psychological and other characteristics associated with MD in these groups. Methods We searched relevant databases from earliest record to February 2015 for studies examining MD symptoms in BBs and/or NBBRTs. Included studies needed to assess MD using a psychometrically validated assessment tool. Study quality was evaluated using an adapted version of the validated Downs and Black tool. We calculated between-group standardized mean difference (effect sizes [ESs]) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for each MD subscale, and performed meta-analysis when five or more studies used the same MD tool. We also extracted data describing psychological or other characteristics associated with MD. Results Of the 2135 studies initially identified, 31 analyzing data on 5880 participants (BBs: n  = 1895, NBBRTs: n  = 3523, controls: n  = 462) were eligible for inclusion, though study quality was generally poor–moderate (range 7–19/22). Most participants were male (90 %). Eight different MD assessment tools were used. Meta-analysis for five studies all using the Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI) revealed there was a medium to large pooled ES for greater MD symptomatology in BBs than in NBBRTs on all MDI subscales (ES 0.53–1.12; p  ≤ 0.01). Competitive BBs scored higher than non-competitive BBs (ES 1.21, 95 % CI 0.82–1.60; p  < 0.001). MD symptoms were associated with anxiety ( r 0.32–0.42; p  ≤ 0.01), social physique anxiety ( r 0.26–0.75; p  < 0.01), depression ( r 0.23–0.53; p  ≤ 0.01), neuroticism ( r 0.38; p  < 0.001), and perfectionism ( r 0.35; p  < 0.05) and were inversely associated with self-concept ( r –0.32 to –0.36; p  < 0.01) and self-esteem ( r –0.42 to –0.47; p  < 0.01). Conclusions MD symptomatology was greater in BBs than in NBBRTs. Anxiety and social physique anxiety, depression, neuroticism, and perfectionism were positively associated with MD, while self-concept and self-esteem were negatively associated. It remains unclear whether these characteristics are exacerbated by bodybuilding, or whether individuals with these characteristics are attracted to the bodybuilding context.

Abstract A number of psychiatric disorders, including body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and social anxiety disorder, are characterized by heightened appearance concerns and increased cognitive and perceptual biases toward one’s own physical appearance. In the present study, we examined individual differences in self-reported appearance anxiety and symptoms of BDD in relation to the late positive potential (LPP)—an index of stimulus significance—in response to pictures of oneself, strangers and objects among 83 female college students. The results indicated that the LPP was larger for pictures of oneself compared to pictures of strangers and objects. Further, the Yale–Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale Modified for Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Appearance Anxiety Inventory scales both related to an increased LPP to pictures of oneself but not to strangers or objects. The findings suggest that the LPP elicited by pictures of oneself may function as a neural marker of appearance concerns, which could be leveraged to study the development and maintenance of a range of psychiatric disorders characterized by increased appearance concerns.

Purpose of Review Historically, anxiety disorders have not been considered as important determinants of suicide, but in the last years, many works have challenged this assumption. Here, we will review the available evidence on the relationship between suicide and anxiety disorders (e.g., obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder), with special emphasis on findings published in the last years. Recent Findings Overall, anxiety disorders increase the risk of suicide. Specifically, 16% of patients with social anxiety disorder reported suicidal ideation in the previous month, and 18% of them had a history of suicide attempts. Similarly, in patients with panic disorder, suicidal ideation prevalence ranged between 17 and 32%, and 33% of them had a history of suicide attempts. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was the most frequent anxiety disorder in completed suicides (present in 3% of people who committed suicide) and also subthreshold GAD was clearly linked to suicide ideation. Post-traumatic stress disorder was positively associated with suicidal ideation, and in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, suicide ideation rates ranged from 10 to 53% and suicide attempts from 1 to 46%. Body dysmorphic disorders presented a suicide ideation prevalence of about 80%. Summary Suicide risk is increased in subjects with anxiety disorder. This risk is higher in the presence of comorbidities, but it is not clear whether it is independent from such comorbidities in some disorders.

Background Cognition is implicated in the aetiology and maintenance of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD); however, there is almost no research concerning individuals’ perception of their cognition. Understanding real-world, subjective cognitive experiences will improve understanding of the functional impacts of BDD and could alter treatment approaches. This study aimed to examine the subjective impressions of the prominence, type and impact of cognitive impairments experienced by adults with BDD. Methods Participants responded to a global, online self-report survey asking qualitative questions regarding cognitive experiences in BDD ( N  = 316). Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Five superordinate themes were identified: (1) the cognitive experiences of BDD, (2) functional impairment, (3) relationship between cognitive impairment and BDD, (4) social and emotional impacts, and (5) strategies. Results Individuals recognise impaired cognition as relating to their experience of illness. Many individuals report impairments across multiple specific cognitive domains (attention, memory, executive function, social cognition and processing speed) and some perceive themselves as generally ‘cognitively flawed’. Conclusions The self-reported social and emotional consequences of cognitive impairments in BDD are significant and many individuals report functional impairment. Being aware of patients’ perceptions of their cognitive impairments may help clinicians tailor or modify their strategies. Questioning of cognitive experiences should form part of patient assessments.

To assess executive functions (EFs) in patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) compared with healthy controls. Adults diagnosed with BDD (n = 26) or OCD (n = 29) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and healthy controls (n = 28) underwent validated and computerized neuropsychological tests, spatial working memory (SWM), intra-extra-dimensional set shifting (IED), and stop signal task (SST), from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Test performance was compared between groups, and correlated with standardized symptom severity of BDD and OCD. Significance level was set to  < .05. There were no statistically significant between-group differences on key outcome measures in SWM, IED, or SST. There was a weak positive correlation between symptom severity and test errors on SWM and IED in both OCD and BDD groups; increased clinical severity was associated with more errors in these tests. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between symptom severity and SST in the BDD group. Patients with BDD or OCD did not differ from healthy control subjects in terms of test performance; however, there were several statistically significant correlations between symptom severity and performance in those with BDD or OCD. More studies on EFs in BDD and OCD are required to elucidate if there are differences in EFs between these two disorders.