The KDS-Net is a scientific network funded by the German Research Foundation/ Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). It consists of seven researchers mainly interested in understanding body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The main goal of the network is to foster scientific exchange and cooperation in Germany and Europe, in order to gain knowledge about BDD, evidence-based treatment, and the dissemination thereof.
1.) To strengthen scientific exchange and cooperation
At regular meetings, we discuss joint research projects and research papers. Currently, we investigate the empirically-based classification of BDD using structural equation modeling and examine the psychometric properties of the German version of the BDD-YBOCS (Phillips, et al., 1997; Stangier et al., 2000).
We meet with international guests (e.g., David Mataix-Cols, PhD, David Veale, MD, Christian Rück, PhD, Jesper Enander, PhD), talk about our research projects, exchange research experiences and share ideas for future research projects.
We organize BDD symposia at national and international congresses (e.g., BDD symposium at the Congress of the German Psychological Society in 2018)
2.) To improve patient care
Some of us provide specialist services for patients with BDD at outpatient clinics, including diagnostic assessment and outpatient treatment. We plan to standardize the diagnostic assessment across the centers to optimize diagnostic assessment.
3.) To raise awareness for BDD
We have created this website introducing the KDS-Net and providing information about BDD. The website addresses individuals with BDD, their relatives, clinicians and researchers