Severity of Interpersonal Problems in Individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Abstract

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a relatively common and often severe disorder. Although individuals with BDD have markedly poor psychosocial functioning, the nature of interpersonal problems has been only minimally investigated. This study examined the severity, domains, and correlates of interpersonal problems in 51 individuals with BDD using the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-64 (IIP-64) and other reliable and valid measures. Compared to norms for a U.S. community sample, individuals with DSM-IV BDD reported greater severity of interpersonal problems across most IIP-64 domains. BDD subjects' scores were most elevated on the Socially Inhibited and Nonassertive subscales. More severe BDD symptoms were significantly correlated with higher scores on the Socially Inhibited, Nonassertive, and Vindictive/Self-Centered subscales and with IIP-64 total score. In a logistic regression analysis, BDD severity and a personality disorder were independently associated with severity of interpersonal problems. These findings suggest that individuals with BDD have significant problems with interpersonal relationships, particularly in the areas of social inhibition and nonassertiveness.

“If only he were blind”: Shame, trauma, and dissociation among women with body dysmorphic disorder in physically intimate relationships

“…This qualitative study has aimed to provide a detailed contextualized account of how women living with BDD make sense of physical intimacy within current partner relationships, in order to take previous qualitative research literature forward, and to contribute to the growing body of BDD research focusing on interpersonal concerns. Its findings are broadly in line with quantitative research that highlights the place of social inhibition, non-assertiveness, and rejection sensitivity in BDD (Didie et al, 2012 ; Fang et al, 2011 ; Oshana et al, 2020 ; Webb et al, 2015 ), while illuminating how these variables might play out in the context of current partner relationships.…”

“…Quantitative research has further explored the nature of interpersonal difficulties in BDD. For example, Didie et al ( 2012 ) investigated the severity, domains, and correlates of interpersonal problems among a US community sample of 51 individuals with BDD. Individuals with BDD reported greater severity of interpersonal problems across most domains in the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-64, Horowitz et al, 2000 ) than community benchmarks.…”

“…Social and interpersonal concerns form a central part of BDD experience and its DSM-5 diagnosis, and quantitative research has highlighted the severity of interpersonal problems among those with BDD in domains such as social inhibition, non-assertiveness, rejection sensitivity, minority stress and sexual orientation concealment (Didie et al, 2012 ; Fang et al, 2011 ; Oshana et al, 2020 ; Webb et al, 2015 ). However, there is limited quantitative research on BDD in the context of physically intimate partner relationships.…”

Personal and appearance-based rejection sensitivity in body dysmorphic disorder

“…Levels of social anxiety are associated with poorer psychosocial functioning over 12 months in individuals with BDD without comorbid social anxiety disorder, particularly fear and avoidance of social situations (Kelly, Walters, & Phillips, 2010). In addition, BDD is associated with severe interpersonal problems, particularly related to difficulties with being assertive and high levels of social inhibition (Didie, Loerke, Howes, & Phillips, 2012). …”

Anxietyandphobias Roxanne Magdalena

“…Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) may offer a promising alternative. Individuals with BDD often have a history of emotional abuse, 134 long-standing interpersonal conflicts, 135 and may suffer from crippling social anxiety and interpersonal problems. 70,71 IPT enables patients to C l i n i c a l r e s e a r c h develop more effective strategies to reduce interpersonal distress, poor self-esteem, and depressed mood, 136,137 which are hypothesized to maintain body image concerns.…”