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Research Studies

Harvard Medical School

Active Studies

“ Pharmacotherapy Relapse Prevention in BDD ” (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D. ).

This is a medication treatment study for adults with Body Dysmorphic Disorder in collaboration with Butler Hospital that seeks to establish the efficacy of Escitalopram, also known as Lexapro, in the treatment of this disorder. Additionally, this study seeks to determine whether individuals who do well on Escitalopram will continue to do well after discontinuation of the medication. It is hoped that some of the gains made during medication treatment can be maintained after the treatment has ceased. Lexapro is among the most highly recommended medications for BDD, although there is currently no FDA approved medication for BDD.
   
  

“Fluoxetine in Pediatric Body Dysmorphic Disorder”
( SITE PI:Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D. ).

This study seeks to investigate the effectiveness of Fluoxetine as a treatment for children and adolescents with Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Information we have so far suggests that Fluoxetine, also marketed as Prozac, might prove effective in treating the effects of this potentially devastating disorder which involves a preoccupation with certain aspects of physical appearance. Currently, there are no FDA approved medication treatments for Pediatric BDD. This is a collaborative study with Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Butler Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.
   
  

 
“Multicultural BDD Study ” (PI: Luana Marques, Ph.D. ).

This study seeks to examine potential underlying cultural and ethnic factors in the manifestation of Obsessive-compulsive Disorder using a simple, easy to use survey. This study aims to identify disparities in healthcare between different ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds as well as different sexual orientations and genders. Please use this link to participate: www.surveymonkey.com/BDDSurvey
   
  

“CBT Treatment Development for Body Dysmorphic Disorder ” (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D. ).

Appearance concerns that occur with Body Dysmorphic Disorder have been shown to be potentially treatable with a form of psychotherapy known as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. CBT allows sufferers to identify their thought processes and understand why they feel and think the way they do, also encouraging them to engage in techniques to combat the negative feelings and depression associated with this illness. Dr. Wilhelm is developing a manual to be used by clinicians to treat BDD.
   
  

“Thinking Processes in Individuals with BDD, OCD, and Healthy Volunteers ”
(PI: Hannah Reese, M.A. & R. McNally, Ph.D.).

In this study we aim to examine cognitive processes in adults with BDD, adults with OCD, and adults with no history of psychiatric illness. The study involves one visit to the clinic lasting between 2 and 4 hours. At this visit, participants receive a diagnostic interview, fill out questionnaires, and complete three computer tasks. Participants are paid up to $100 for their time and effort. To be eligible, participants must have either primary BDD (with no comorbid OCD), primary OCD (with no comorbid BDD), or have no current or past psychological disorders (current specific phobia and/or past alcohol/substance abuse are allowed).