A hierarchy of visual processing deficits in body dysmorphic disorder: a conceptual review and empirical investigation.

Objective: Abnormal visual processing has been proposed as a mechanism underlying excessive focus on minor appearance flaws in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Existing BDD research has not differentiated the various stages of face processing (featural, first-order configural, holistic and second-order configural) that are required for higher-order processes such as emotion recognition. This study investigated a hierarchical visual processing model to examine the nature of abnormalities in face processing in BDD.

Childhood maltreatment and trauma is common and severe in body dysmorphic disorder.

Background: Childhood maltreatment and trauma may be risk factors for the development of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). However, the limited research to date on these topics has been constrained by either the absence of a matched healthy control group or non-comprehensive assessments.

Methods: This study assessed the prevalence and severity of childhood maltreatment and other traumatic events in 52 BDD participants (56% female) and 57 matched controls (51% female) with no history of mental illness, using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and a checklist assessing broader traumatic events.

The Zoom Effect: Exploring the Impact of Video Calling on Appearance Dissatisfaction and Interest in Aesthetic Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The popularity of videoconferencing platforms has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, concerns have been expressed regarding the potential for video calls to promote appearance dissatisfaction because individuals are exposed to an image of themselves on camera for extended periods.

Objectives: The aim of the current study was to characterize current video usage behaviors and their relation to appearance dissatisfaction and interest in aesthetic procedures in the general population.

Methods: An online survey was completed by 335 adults currently living in Australia.

Empirical evidence for cognitive subgroups in body dysmorphic disorder.

Objective: Current understanding of cognitive functioning in body dysmorphic disorder is limited, owing to few studies, small sample sizes and assessment across only limited cognitive domains. Existing research has also shown inconsistent findings, with both intact and impaired cognition reported in body dysmorphic disorder, which might point towards cognitive heterogeneity in the disorder. This study aimed to examine the cognitive profile of body dysmorphic disorder in a large sample across eight cognitive domains, and to explore whether cognitive subgroups might be identified within body dysmorphic disorder.

Is the needle as risky as the knife? The prevalence and risks of body dysmorphic disorder in women undertaking minor cosmetic procedures.

Objectives: Body dysmorphic disorder is commonly considered a contraindication for major cosmetic surgery, but whether body dysmorphic disorder relates to poorer outcomes from minor cosmetic treatment remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder in clients seeking non-surgical cosmetic procedures and to examine whether body dysmorphic disorder clients are vulnerable in minor cosmetic settings. Vulnerability was explored in terms of psychological distress, unrealistic expectations and motivations for treatment outcome, and reduced satisfaction with past cosmetic procedures.

An update on gender differences in major symptom phenomenology among adults with body dysmorphic disorder.

There has not been a comprehensive comparison of differences between men and women with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) for approximately two decades. Major social and technological changes over this time may have changed patterns of bodily concerns and symptom profile among men and women with BDD, thus warranting an updated assessment of gender differences. BDD symptomatology, insight, and associated clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were compared between 49 women and 27 men with BDD.

The COVID-19 pandemic: Psychological and behavioral responses to the shutdown of the beauty industry.

Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia implemented widespread closure of beauty and cosmetic services to control the virus spread. The effect of these restrictions is unknown, given that beauty services are widely used for stress relief or to enhance confidence. The current study explored the relationship between engagement in appearance-focused behaviors and distress regarding beauty service closure.

Assessing Unrealistic Expectations in Clients Undertaking Minor Cosmetic Procedures: The Development of the Aesthetic Procedure Expectations Scale.

To develop and validate a novel patient-reported measure to assess internally and externally driven expectations for change after a cosmetic procedure, termed the aesthetic procedure expectations (ASPECT) scale. In total, 186 adults recruited from nonsurgical cosmetic clinics in Melbourne, Australia, accessed an online survey (150 completed; 81% response rate) including the novel ASPECT questionnaire, demographics, and measures of psychological distress. The final sample included 141 women and 5 men with a mean age of 44.