Clinical Application of a Behavioral Model for the Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterized by an obsessive concern over a perceived flaw in bodily appearance. If a minor flaw does exist, the patient displays unwarranted distress. This preoccupation typically leads to compulsive behaviors, such as mirror checking or mirror avoiding, camouflaging, and seeking reassurance from others regarding one’s appearance or the perceived “flaw.” Although some theorists have outlined important maintaining mechanisms of the disorder, a full model of the etiology and maintenance of this disorder has only recently been articulated in the literature (Neziroglu, Roberts, & Yaryura-Tobias, (2004). A behavioral model for body dysmorphic disorder. Psychiatric Annals, 34, 915–920.). The aim of the present article is to review this model and demonstrate its application to the successful treatment of BDD via a case presentation.