Clinical Considerations for the Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder With Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

Although cognitive behaviour therapy has been found to be very effective in the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder, there still remain a number of challenges that clinicians face in the treatment of individuals with this disorder. The authors discuss issues related to comorbid depression, suicidality, substance use disorders, personality disorders as well as the role of early life experiences, delusional intensity of beliefs, & motivation to change. The aim of this review is to provide a treatment aid to clinicians by offering specific recommendations for improved care based on the available literature as well as the authors’ clinical experience. (84 refs.)