We are passionate about researching BDD with the goal of improving detection, diagnosis and treatment of the condition. BDD is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in physical appearance, that are barely noticeable or completely unobservable to others. The disorder affects approximately 2% of the population and is associated with substantial impairment. Despite this, BDD is often overlooked, and most people do not access evidence-based treatment. Furthermore, research shows that existing treatments are only partially effective. Our research priorities are therefore to:
- Understand and improve the detection and diagnosis of BDD in routine clinical practice
- Examine BDD treatment outcomes and factors that may impede recovery
- Improve access to evidence-based psychological treatment for BDD using digitally-enabled therapies
- Identify environmental risk factors for BDD to inform prevention and early intervention
- Examine cognitive and behavioural mechanisms of BDD, and interventions to target these
Much of our work focuses on BDD in youth, given that the disorder typically develops during teenage years. Examples of recent publications can be found below.
Funding from the following organisations, The British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust, and the UCL Grand Challenge of Mental Health and Wellbeing Catalyst Grants 2024–25, has been awarded to support selected projects in our current research.
UCL BDD advisory community
We are committed to working with people living with BDD to help us shape the research we conduct and the resources we develop to support people with BDD. We are very fortunate to draw upon the experiences and perspectives of a dedicated community of BDD advisors. Working with our community helps us to make sure that our research and practice is respectful, supportive and relevant.
The BDD advisory community is primarily led by Dr Georgina Krebs (Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant Clinical Psychologist) and Dr Elizabeth Hogg (Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Clinical Psychologist). You can find out more about our research team here.
Recent publications
Orme, K., Stringaris, A., & Krebs, G. (2025). Age‐Related Effects on Self‐Focused Attention Across Adolescence and the Relationship With Symptoms of Body Dysmorphia, Social Anxiety and Depression. Journal of Adolescence, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1002/jad.12505
Song, L. L., Peel, A. J., Veale, D., Eley, T. C., & Krebs, G. (2025). A network analysis of body dysmorphic and obsessive-compulsive symptoms among individuals with and without exposure to trauma. Journal of affective disorders, 376, 206-215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.01.146
Blacker, L., Gupta, M., Quinn, R., Monzani, B., Jassi, A., Veale, D., … & Krebs, G. (2024). A Psychometric Evaluation of the Body Image Questionnaire Child and Adolescent Version. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-024-01768-1
Addison, M., James, A., Borschmann, R., Costa, M., Jassi, A., & Krebs, G. (2024). Suicidal thoughts and behaviours in body dysmorphic disorder: Prevalence and correlates in a sample of mental health service users in the UK. Journal of affective disorders, 361, 515-521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.145
Hogg, E., Krebs, G., Mataix-Cols, D., & Jassi, A. (2024). Maternal Accommodation of Adolescent Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Clinical Correlates and Association with Treatment Outcomes. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-024-01754-7
Krebs, G., Clark, B. R., Ford, T. J., & Stringaris, A. (2025). Epidemiology of body dysmorphic disorder and appearance preoccupation in youth: prevalence, comorbidity and psychosocial impairment. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 64(1), 30-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2024.01.017
Krebs, G., Rautio, D., Fernández de la Cruz, L., Hartmann, A. S., Jassi, A., Martin, A., … & Mataix‐Cols, D. (2024). Practitioner Review: Assessment and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder in young people. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 65(8), 1119-1131. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13984
Monzani, B., Luxton, R., Jassi, A., & Krebs, G. (2024). Adverse childhood experiences among adolescents with body dysmorphic disorder: frequency and clinical correlates. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 31(4), e3028. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.3028
Clinical resources and support
If you are interested in finding out more about BDD, we recommend looking at the BDD Foundation website. The BDD Foundation are a UK based charity dedicated to reducing the distress people with BDD experience. On their website and social media you can read, watch and listen to personal stories from the BDD community and helpful information about BDD.
Alongside our research, we run the Anxiety self-Image and Mood (AIM) Clinic. This is a specialist NHS mental health service, situated within UCL’s University Clinic, offering assessment and treatment for young adults with BDD and related anxiety and mood difficulties. Please click here if you would like to find out more information.
AIM Lab 