Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D.,specializes in individual psychotherapy for BDD,OCD and OCD-Spectrum Disorders. Located at 661 Massachusetts Ave.,Suite 16,Arlington, MA 02476. Call:(781)648-4684 or email:
Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa Study
Principal Investigator: Jamie Feusner, M.D.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and anorexia nervosa are severe psychiatric illnesses involving perception of appearance. While there are differences and are treated as distinct disorders, they have many similarities including obsessive scrutiny of appearance features, possible perceptual distortions, and anxiety. Could there be a biological link between BDD and anorexia nervosa? In this study we are using a type of brain scan called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare patterns of brain activity in individuals with BDD to those with anorexia and healthy controls while processing visual and emotional information. To our knowledge this would be the first study to directly compare and contrast the patterns of abnormal brain activity in people with BDD to those with anorexia nervosa.
Participation in the study involves two visits:
* In the first visit the participant will meet with Dr. Feusner to determine if he/she has BDD or anorexia nervosa. This visit will also include paper-and-pencil rating scales and a brief computer task.
* The second visit will be the actual brain scan, during which participants will view photographs of faces, bodies, and objects.
Participants will receive a free brain scan, parking, and will be compensated for their time.
If you believe you have BDD or have had anorexia nervosa (but are currently at a close-to-normal body weight) and are interested in participating in the study please call (310) 206-4951 or email
You can also visit our website at www.semel.ucla.edu/bdd.
