BDD-NET - An Internet-Based Program as a Low-Threshold Treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A German Treatment Program

Abstract

Background: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder that is associated with pronounced shame, a high burden of disease, and functional impairments. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found the most effective treatment for BDD. However, due to several treatment barriers, most individuals with BDD do not receive adequate psychotherapeutic treatment, which is why low-threshold treatment options (e.g., E-Mental Health) could play an important role to fill this gap. Prior international studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of E-Mental Health interventions for BDD. Material and Methods: This article provides an overview of the literature regarding the implementation and effectiveness of E-Mental Health interventions for BDD and introduces the German version of BDD-NET, a manualized, internetadministered cognitive-behavioral program for BDD. Results: BDD-NET consists of eight online modules delivered over 12 weeks. Further, the online platform provides the possibility to contact the therapist. In the current German version, all materials were translated from the original, and adaptations were made with regard to cultural aspects. Conclusions: BDD-NET could constitute an important component in specific care options for BDD. To date, evaluation of the German version is still pending. Special characteristics of the online setting as well as clinical implications (e.g., insight as a potential treatment target) are presented. Conditions and structural factors for prospective dissemination are discussed.