An open study of buspirone augmentation of serotonin-reuptake inhibitors in body dysmorphic disorder

Abstract

Although preliminary data suggest that serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) may be effective in treating body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a substantial percentage of patients have no response or respond only partially to SRIs. The efficacy of buspirone augmentation of SRIs in BDD was therefore evaluated in an open fashion. Thirteen patients with DSM-IV BDD who had not responded or had responded only partially to an SRI had buspirone added to the SRI. Six of these subjects (46%) improved. Three who decreased or discontinued buspirone experienced an increase in symptom severity. BDD symptoms again improved in the 1 subject who resumed the previous dose. Side effects were minimal and well tolerated in all but 1 subject. These data, while preliminary, suggest that buspirone augmentation of SRIs may be useful for BDD and warrant further investigation in a controlled trial.