Talking therapy may rewire the brain in body dysmorphic disorder

This study tested whether 12 weeks of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can reduce symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a condition where people obsess over minor or imagined flaws in their appearance. Sixty adults with BDD were split into two groups: one received weekly CBT sessions, while the other waited for treatment. Researchers measured changes in brain activity, stress responses, and eye movements during appearance-related tasks, along with questionnaires on mood and self-esteem. The goal was to see if CBT not only eases distress but also shifts underlying brain and body patterns toward healthier responses.