Secondary prevention
No studies have examined whether implementing an intervention for subclinical BDD symptoms might prevent the development or onset of BDD. It seems plausible that addressing subclinical appearance concerns with cognitive and behavioral strategies for BDD might prevent the disorder from developing, but this has not been investigated.
To prevent recurrence of BDD once the disorder has improved or remitted, clinical experience indicates that it is important to continue effective pharmacotherapy for at least 3-4 years, or longer for patients with more severe illness.[69]
Continuation of an effective selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or the tricyclic antidepressant clomipramine has been shown to reduce the risk of BDD relapse.[91]
Patients who have received effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for BDD should continue to implement learned CBT skills in their daily life. It is not known whether post-treatment, as-needed CBT booster sessions with the CBT therapist might reduce risk of BDD recurrence, but this seems plausible, and clinical experience suggests that as-needed booster sessions may be helpful for some individuals.
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