Brain zaps reveal how BDD patients see faces differently

NCT ID NCT05607121

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed study looked at how a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called TMS affects the way people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) process visual information. Forty adults with BDD or mild symptoms received either intermittent or continuous TMS over the parietal brain region, then had their brain activity scanned while viewing faces. The goal was to understand changes in brain connections and visual perception, not to treat the disorder.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could reveal how brain stimulation changes visual perception in body dysmorphic disorder, pointing toward new ways to understand or treat the condition.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage observational study with only 40 participants. It is not designed to test a treatment, so any insights are preliminary and may not lead to direct therapies.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

body dysmorphic disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

    Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1H3, Canada