Clinical Research Directory

CBT for Muscle Dysmorphia and Steroid Abuse: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating muscle dysmorphia (MD) under body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and steroid/performance-enhancing drug (PED) abuse in men aged 18-65 who regularly attend the gym. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does CBT reduce the symptoms of muscle dysmorphia in this population? Does CBT improve psychological well-being and reduce reliance on steroids or PEDs? Researchers will compare participants receiving CBT to a control group that does not receive any intervention to determine the therapy's effectiveness. Participants will: Undergo a formal diagnosis of muscle dysmorphia (Under BDD) and steroid/PED abuse based on DSM-5-TR criteria through online clinical interviews. Complete 12 weekly one-on-one online CBT sessions (50 minutes each) for those in the experimental group. Complete psychological assessments at three time points: before the intervention, after the intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. This study uses validated scales to measure changes in symptoms of MD, psychological distress, and other related outcomes. The results will help determine if CBT is an effective treatment for muscle dysmorphia and associated steroid/PED abuse.