Review

Neural Mechanisms and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Neurobehavioral Perspective

Volume: 12 Number: 1 March 28, 2025
TR EN

Neural Mechanisms and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Neurobehavioral Perspective

Abstract

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is characterized by obsessive preoccupation with perceived physical flaws, often unnoticed by others. This preoccupation causes significant emotional distress, social withdrawal, and functional impairment. Recent advancements emphasize the importance of integrating neurobiological and behavioral perspectives in understanding BDD. This review synthesizes findings from neuroscience and behavioral psychology to examine the brain-behavior relationship in BDD and explores implications for treatment strategies. A narrative synthesis of current literature, including neuroimaging, neurochemical studies, and behavioral research, was conducted. Evidence from clinical trials on pharmacological treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and neuromodulation techniques was analyzed. Neuroimaging studies reveal hyperactivity in the orbitofrontal cortex, amygdala, and fusiform gyrus, contributing to obsessive thoughts, heightened emotional responses, and distorted visual processing. Neurochemical imbalances, particularly in serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid systems, perpetuate cognitive distortions and compulsive behaviors. Cognitive patterns, including selective attention to perceived flaws, catastrophic thinking, and overestimation of others’ judgments, interact with maladaptive behaviors such as mirror checking, avoidance, and reassurance-seeking. Integrated treatments, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation, address these interconnected mechanisms effectively. BDD arises from a complex interaction between neurobiological dysfunction, cognitive distortions, and maladaptive behaviors. Effective treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach targeting these domains. Future research should focus on longitudinal brain plasticity studies, sex differences, and optimized neuromodulation protocols to enhance therapeutic outcomes and personalized interventions.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Psychiatry, Neurosciences (Other)

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

March 28, 2025

Submission Date

February 3, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 14, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 12 Number: 1

APA
Çınaroğlu, M. (2025). Neural Mechanisms and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Neurobehavioral Perspective. The Journal of Neurobehavioral Sciences, 12(1), 32-42. https://doi.org/10.32739/jnbs.12.1.5
AMA
1.Çınaroğlu M. Neural Mechanisms and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Neurobehavioral Perspective. JNBS. 2025;12(1):32-42. doi:10.32739/jnbs.12.1.5
Chicago
Çınaroğlu, Metin. 2025. “Neural Mechanisms and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Neurobehavioral Perspective”. The Journal of Neurobehavioral Sciences 12 (1): 32-42. https://doi.org/10.32739/jnbs.12.1.5.
EndNote
Çınaroğlu M (March 1, 2025) Neural Mechanisms and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Neurobehavioral Perspective. The Journal of Neurobehavioral Sciences 12 1 32–42.
IEEE
[1]M. Çınaroğlu, “Neural Mechanisms and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Neurobehavioral Perspective”, JNBS, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 32–42, Mar. 2025, doi: 10.32739/jnbs.12.1.5.
ISNAD
Çınaroğlu, Metin. “Neural Mechanisms and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Neurobehavioral Perspective”. The Journal of Neurobehavioral Sciences 12/1 (March 1, 2025): 32-42. https://doi.org/10.32739/jnbs.12.1.5.
JAMA
1.Çınaroğlu M. Neural Mechanisms and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Neurobehavioral Perspective. JNBS. 2025;12:32–42.
MLA
Çınaroğlu, Metin. “Neural Mechanisms and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Neurobehavioral Perspective”. The Journal of Neurobehavioral Sciences, vol. 12, no. 1, Mar. 2025, pp. 32-42, doi:10.32739/jnbs.12.1.5.
Vancouver
1.Metin Çınaroğlu. Neural Mechanisms and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Neurobehavioral Perspective. JNBS. 2025 Mar. 1;12(1):32-4. doi:10.32739/jnbs.12.1.5