Two-year follow-up of behavioral treatment and maintenance for body dysmorphic disorder

Recent research has suggested that body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is part of the obsessive-compulsive spectrum of disorders. As such, it has been hypothesized that these disorders respond in a similar manner to obsessive-compulsive disorder when behavioral interventions are used. A continuation of follow-up was conducted with a group of patients with BDD following treatment. Ten patients completed an intensive behavioral therapy program and either participated in a 6-month maintenance program or served as controls. At 12-, 18-, and 24-month follow-up assessments, patients participating in the maintenance program were more effective at managing limited symptom return and had significantly lower anxiety and depression. Both groups remained improved for acute symptomatology and behavioral avoidance. The results suggest that maintenance programs following behavioral treatment are effective in preventing symptom relapse and assist in patient self-management of lapses typically associated with BDD.