Modifying Interpretation Biases in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Evaluation of a Multi-Session Computerized Treatment

• Other Authors: Summers, Berta J. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Clinical psychology
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-9465

Individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) have a tendency to interpret ambiguous information in a negative or threatening manner (Buhlmann, McNally, Wilhelm, & Florin, 2002a; Clerkin & Teachman, 2008). Computerized interpretation bias modification (IBM) training programs have been developed to train individuals with anxiety and mood disorders to endorse positive interpretations in favor of characteristic negative interpretations, subsequently resulting in a reduction of disorder-specific symptoms (e.g., Beard & Amir, 2008; Mathews & Mackintosh, 2000). The current study sought to determine the efficacy of IBM in a population of individuals with BDD symptoms (N = 40, 33 of which met full diagnostic criteria for BDD). Participants were randomly assigned to receive four sessions of either: IBM training designed to target evaluation and appearance-related interpretation biases, or Placebo Control (PC) training. Analyses revealed that the IBM condition experienced a substantial reduction in both negative BDD-related interpretation biases and BDD symptoms following training, relative to those in the PC condition. Mediation analyses indicated that changes in BDD-related interpretation biases fully mediated the effect of condition on symptom severity. Compared to the PC condition, the IBM group also reported greater reductions in fear and urge to check in response to an in vivo task in which their picture was taken. Lastly, IBM led to greater reductions in certain social anxiety symptoms (e.g., social avoidance) compared to the PC condition. The pattern of results remained similar at a 1-month follow-up assessment, though effects for symptoms were attenuated, possibly due to low power and a floor effect. The current study provides preliminary support for the efficacy of IBM for BDD symptoms. === A Thesis submitted to the Department of Psychology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. === Spring Semester, 2015. === March 24, 2015. === Body Dymorphic Disorder, Cognitive bias modification, In vivo stressor, Multi-session, Social anxiety, Treatment === Includes bibliographical references. === Jesse R. Cougle, Professor Directing Thesis; Norman B. Schmidt, Committee Member; James K. McNulty, Committee Member.