This study presents the results of an investigation into the feasibility of the application of Morita and naikan therapies in the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) so as to reduce relapse rates in clients with BDD. The study explored the appropriateness of a treatment manual that applies clinical interventions, as utilized in these therapies, to treat BDD in an outpatient clinical setting. The study also evaluates the feasibility of utilizing these therapies as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of BDD so as to further reduce relapse rates, specifically in clients exhibiting resistance to CBT.

These two therapies, developed in Japan, offer a different approach to symptom regulation and behavioral change as utilized in CBT and other western treatment modalities. In Morita therapy, clients learn to accept their true selves and reality "as-is" and to redirect their attention onto purposeful action and constructive activities in pursuit of their desires in life. In naikan therapy, clients learn to view reality objectively, through the eyes of others, and to understand that the root of their mental suffering is their self-centeredness and that liberation from mental distress is obtained by redirecting attention from self-centered mental fixations and ruminations onto activities focused on the needs of others.

Five judges were surveyed as to the feasibility of the proposed manual. When asked if there was a need for alternative treatment intervention to CBT for BDD, the majority of judges (80%) agreed and no judges disagreed. A majority of the judges (60%) agreed that the treatment plans, utilizing Morita and naikan interventions, could be effective in the treatment of BDD; 20% neither disagreed/agreed and 20% disagreed. As supplemental interventions to CBT for BDD, 80% agreed on the use of Morita therapy and 40% for naikan therapy. A majority of judges (60%) also agreed that the proposed manual could be utilized in their practices in the treatment of BDD.