Visual Processing in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Investigating Eye Movements and Piloting a Novel Training Program

Body dysmorphic disorder is a serious mental illness characterised by a preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance. Current treatments do not target visual perception, which is a key feature of the disorder. Firstly, this research compared how people with body dysmorphic disorder and healthy controls view images using eye tracking. Secondly, the research evaluated a novel visual training program designed for body dysmorphic disorder. The program was considered feasible and acceptable, with potential for improving clinical outcomes. This research contributes to the understanding of body dysmorphic disorder, and how novel treatments may be used in conjunction with traditional psychotherapies.