CBT for Muscle Dysmorphia and Steroid Abuse: A Randomized Controlled Trial (NCT06781853) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable
CBT for Muscle Dysmorphia and Steroid Abuse: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Turkey (Türkiye)71 participantsStarted 2024-09-01
Plain-language summary
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.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
MALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
Male participants aged 18-65. Regular gym attendance (minimum three times per week). Use of steroids or performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) for at least one year. Formal diagnosis of muscle dysmorphia (MD) under body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and steroid/PED abuse, based on DSM-5-TR criteria.
Willingness to participate in 12 weekly one-on-one online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions.
Ability to provide informed consent and complete assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up.
Exclusion Criteria:
Diagnoses of substance use disorders (e.g., heroin, cannabis). Diagnoses of bipolar disorder or antisocial personality disorder. Use of steroids or PEDs for medical purposes. Use of medications that could interfere with the study outcomes. Participation in any other psychotherapy or psychological intervention during the study period.
Inability to access the internet or participate in online therapy sessions.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Reduction in Muscle Dysmorphia Symptoms
Timeframe: Baseline, post-intervention (12 weeks), and three-month follow-up (24 weeks).