Examining the Role of Reassurance Seeking in Body Dysmorphic Disorder

<p>Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an impairing and insufficiently researched disorder characterized by a preoccupation with a perceived physical defect that drives an individual to perform repetitive behaviours or mental acts, such as reassurance seeking (RS). The current study examined the frequency and features of RS urges and behaviours, such as RS triggers, stopping criteria, and topics, in BDD compared to healthy controls using an event-contingent diary method. A sample of 16 individuals with BDD and 22 healthy controls completed diary records when they experienced urges to seek reassurance. Results indicate that individuals with BDD experience more RS urges than healthy controls, and that these urges are more likely to be triggered by appearance-related concerns. Additionally, unlike in healthy controls, reassurance did not lead to significant increases in certainty in participants with BDD. These findings shed light on behavioural maintenance factors implicated in BDD.</p>