Effects of D-Cycloserine on Body Image Exposure in Eating Disorders

• Applicant: Dr. Eva Naumann
• Subject Area: Personality Psychology, Clinical and Medical Psychology, Methodology
• Term: from 2017 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 364940063

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses. They are characterized by severe eating disturbances and a negative body image. Empirical evidence shows that increased body dissatisfaction is a main risk factor for the onset, maintenance, and relapse of eating disorders. Hence, it is essential to conduct research on the treatment of body dissatisfaction as it could improve prevention and intervention efforts for eating disorders. Body image exposure therapy involves therapist-guided sessions in which patients are repeatedly asked to observe their body in a mirror. Numerous studies suggest that body image exposure therapy is an efficacious intervention for body image disturbances. However, studies also suggest that body dissatisfaction often remains on a clinically significant level even after body image exposure therapy. Therefore, research on the augmentation of body image exposure therapy is warranted. Research provides convincing evidence that a low dosage of the antibiotic d-cycloserine enhances the treatment effects of exposure therapy in patients with anxiety disorders. However, no study exists on the promising effects of d-cycloserine on body image exposure therapy in patients with eating disorders. Thus, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of d-cycloserine on body image exposure in women with eating disorders. In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study 32 women with an eating disorder will receive four body image exposure sessions either in combination with 50 mg d-cycloserine or placebo. Participants will complete questionnaires about their body dissatisfaction, body avoidance, eating pathology, depression and self-esteem at baseline, at the end of the body image exposure therapy, and at a 4-week follow-up assessment. Additionally, body-related thoughts and emotions will be measured during the exposure sessions. Body image exposure therapy in combination with d-cycloserine is hypothesized to lead to a greater reduction of body image disturbances compared to the placebo condition.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Thomas Hildebrandt