Predictors of Remission From Body Dysmorphic Disorder

A Prospective Study

Abstract

In the first naturalistic, prospective study of the course of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), we examined predictors of remission in 161 subjects over 1 year of follow-up. Data were obtained on clinical characteristics at the intake interview and weekly BDD symptom severity over 1 year using the Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation. More severe BDD at intake, longer BDD duration, and the presence of a comorbid personality disorder predicted a lower likelihood of partial or full remission from BDD. BDD remission was not predicted by gender; race/ethnicity; socioeconomic status; being an adult versus an adolescent; age of BDD onset; delusionality of BDD symptoms; or the presence at intake of major depression, a substance use disorder, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, or an eating disorder. Receipt of mental health treatment or nonmental health treatment (e.g., surgery, dermatologic treatment) during the follow-up year also did not predict remission from BDD.