What are some of the main medical treatments for body dysmorphic disorder?

The main treatments currently used for body dysmorphic disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications from the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) class. This class comprises selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram, as well as nonselective SRI drugs such as clomipramine. Clinicians may also consider off-label use of other medications with known effectiveness in similar conditions (e.g., OCD). However, further research is needed to establish their efficacy specifically for treating BDD.^[1][2]

Given the frequent presence of comorbidities in individuals with BDD, treatment approaches may need to be adjusted accordingly. The use of SRIs in BDD treatment often aligns well with overlapping conditions, such as OCD or social anxiety. Similarly, CBT has shown improvements both in BDD symptoms and comorbid depression. However, for individuals with BDD and bipolar disorder, the administration of mood stabilizers may be necessary before initiating SRIs because the latter can potentially exacerbate bipolar symptoms. In cases in which anorexia nervosa and BDD coexist, anorexia should be addressed as a primary concern. This highlights the complexities involved in establishing the appropriate treatment for BDD.

CBT, the main psychological treatment for BDD, is used to address specific issues, such as repetitive behaviors, distorted perception patterns, and misinterpretation of others' emotions (e.g., feeling judged by others).^[1]