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Research Studies

Harvard Medical School

Active Studies

Note for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Studies, please click here.


“ 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.
   
  

“ Body Dysmorphic Disorder by Proxy Study ” (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D. ).

This study is designed to gather information about mental health symptom profile, treatment barriers, and treatment utilization among individuals suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder by Proxy (BDD-BP). By examining the etiology, symptomatic profile, and prevalence of this disorder, this study will collect preliminary data that can be used to help further future research to develop better treatment options for individuals with BDD by proxy.

To participate, please use this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BDDBYPROXY
   
  


“An Open Trial of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Pediatric Body Dysmorphic Disorder ” (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D. ).

The purpose of this study is to develop and test the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder. CBT is the most effective psychological treatment for adults with BDD. Information we have so far suggests that CBT might prove effective in treating children and adolescents with BDD as well.
   
  

“OCD & BDD Cross Sectional Study ” (PI: Jeanne Fama, Ph.D. ).

This cross-sectional study seeks to investigate neuropsychological, psychosocial, cognitive, temperamental, and clinical factors that may contribute to the development and/or maintenance of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), with an eye toward the development of prevention and early intervention strategies for OCD and BDD. Comprehensive assessments, including diagnostic interviews, neuropsychological tests, and self-report measures will be administered to children diagnosed with OCD or BDD or no disorder, and their first-degree relatives.

   
  

“A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of D-cycloserine augmentation of behavior therapy for BDD.” (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D. ).

In this research study we seek to investigate the effectiveness of D-cycloserine as a memory booster for Exposure and Response Prevention in the treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. D-cycloserine is an antibiotic that has been used in the treatment of tuberculosis for over 20 years. Research so far demonstrates D-cycloserine does increase the effectiveness of Exposure and Response Prevention in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. We would like to expand this research with D-cycloserine to see if it is effective with body dysmorphic disorder.