Abstract
Although studies indicate that poor body image is associated with poor self-esteem, few investigations have examined self-esteem in a clinical sample of individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The present study examined self-esteem in 93 BDD patients and change in self-esteem with pharmacotherapy. Subjects completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and were assessed with other measures. Participants in a placebo-controlled fluoxetine trial completed measures at baseline and endpoint. The mean RSES score was approximately 1.5 SD units lower than means reported for nonclinical samples. Although poorer self-esteem was associated with more severe BDD and depression, as well as greater delusionality, the relationship between self-esteem and BDD severity was largely mediated by depressive symptoms. Self-esteem did not improve significantly more with fluoxetine than placebo, although it improved significantly more in fluoxetine responders than in nonresponders. It is unclear whether poor self-esteem predisposes to BDD and/or is a consequence of the disorder.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 385-390 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Body Image |
Volume | 1 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Depression
- Fluoxetine
- Pharmacotherapy
- Self-esteem
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Applied Psychology
- General Psychology