Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Study

Why IPT?

We are assessing the effectiveness of interpersonal psychotherapy for people with BDD. Many patients report having problems in their relationships, thus IPT may be a promising treatment for BDD.

IPT has shown long-term efficacy for other related disorders, such as Major Depressive Disorder, Eating Disorders and some anxiety disorders.

What does the study consist of?

Qualifying participants will receive study treatment for approximately 5-6 months; each session is approximately one hour provided by a licensed clinical psychologist. Some goals of IPT are:

To help people develop a greater understanding of the possible connection between appearance concerns and problems in social relationships.

To help people modify their communication patterns and/or expectations about relationships.

To assist patients in making life transitions that may play a role in maintaining their appearance concerns. For example, entering college, aging, starting a new job, having a baby, etc.

To help people develop and use social supports more effectively

During an IPT session for example, some of the potential areas that may be worked on include: decreasing sensitivity to comments, reducing fears of rejection, reducing avoidance of social relationships, and improving the quality and amount of social interactions.

You and your therapist may also work on identifying and evaluating negative thoughts and beliefs you have about your appearance as well as teaching you skills to resist performing excessive, repetitive BDD behaviors, such as mirror checking, excessive grooming, and reassurance seeking.

There are also assessments every month during the treatment, and one and three months after the study treatment ends. Participants will be compensated for completing each of these assessments.

This study is sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).