The Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria
Personality Characteristics and Body Dysmorphic Disorder
The Mental Health Research Institute (MHRI) of Victoria is currently undertaking a study to explore temperament and character in people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). BDD is defined as a pre-occupation with an imagined or very slight defect in physical appearance, which causes significant distress to the individual. People who suffer from BDD dislike some aspect of how they look so much that they can't stop thinking and worrying about it. Rather than being misconstrued and trivialised as socially unacceptable vanity, extreme preoccupation with bodily appearance has serious social implications, potentially affecting mental health and leading to, in some cases, depression, social isolation, occupational absenteeism, familial dysfunction and self-destructive behaviours.
Currently, treatment options are limited and research shows mixed outcomes for pharmacotherapy and psychological treatments. Recent studies exploring psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar and bulimia, have highlighted the existence of specific personality characteristics influencing treatment planning and provision.
This study aims to explore temperament and character traits in people with BDD in order to determine whether a relationship between personality and severe body image concerns exists. It is envisaged that findings from this study will provide valuable information on personality characteristics, which may influence treatment. Further, by understanding the relationship between BDD and personality, treatment can be specifically designed to reduce and alleviate the difficulties and concerns experienced by people with severe body image concerns.
It is envisaged that findings from this study will provide new and valuable information on personality characteristics, assisting with the development of more effective treatment options.
We are currently seeking referrals for the study. To be eligible to participate in the study, individuals must be 18 years of age and over and have a diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder. Consenting individuals will be invited to complete a personality inventory and participate in a clinical interview. Involvement in the study should take no more than two hours. Participants will be paid $30 for their time.
If you would like to make a referral, self-refer or require further information about the project, please contact Bernadette Jenner or David Castle, ph. (03) 9388 1633. Details of the study will be forwarded to you by mail. All information provided will be kept confidential and secure and will only be disclosed with your permission or unless required by law. Only the researchers named below will have access to your information. Any written material, including publication material, will not contain any identifying information.
* Principal Investigators include Professor David Castle, Psychiatrist, Mental Health Research Institute; Bernadette Jenner, Psychologist, Mental Health Research Institute; Roberta Honigman, Social Worker, Mental Health Research Institute; Dr Robert Cloninger, Psychiatrist, St Louis University, Washington State; Dr Paul Holman, Psychiatrist, Private Practice, Melbourne.