An exploration of the neurocognitive and psychological factors involved in the development and maintenance of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychological disorder characterised by an intense preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws in physical appearance. Despite the distress and impairment associated with this disorder it remains understudied and poorly understood. This thesis employed quantitative and qualitative research methods across three studies to investigate neurocognitive and psychological factors involved in the development and maintenance of the disorder. A specific pattern of cognitive deficits were identified in BDD affecting executive function, visual information processing and visual memory. Qualitative results suggest shame, intolerance of uncertainty and ‘not just right experiences’ are key constructs requiring further attention.