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Loading... The Broken Mirror: Understanding and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorderby Katharine A. Phillips
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. The single most helpful book I ever read on mental illness, honestly. One: because it transformed my thinking on this issue. Two: because it frames a mental illness the way it should be, without blaming the victim or making it a greater social issue. Three: because even though it isn't about eating disorders it could be. ( ) no reviews | add a review
In a world obsessed with appearances, it is not surprising that body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, has manifested itself as a troubling and relatively common problem for many individuals. In The Broken Mirror, the first and most definitive book on BDD, Dr. Katharine Phillips draws on years of clinical practice, scientific research, and professional evaluations of over 700 patients to bring readers her expertise and experience with this often debilitating illness. BDD causes sufferers to be obsessed by perceived flaws in their appearance and may afflict as much as two percent of the population, or nearly five million people. Many sufferers are able to function well in society, but remain secretly obsessed by their "hideous acne" or "horrible nose," sneaking constant peeks at a pocket mirror, or spending hours at a time redoing makeup. Others find their lives disintegrate because of their appearance obsessions. It is not an uncommon disorder, simply a hidden one, since sufferers are often embarrassed to tell even their closest friends about their concerns. The author presents the stories and interviews of over 200 individuals to show the many different behaviors and symptoms of BDD, and includes a quick self-assessment questionnaire. Four new chapters provide updated information on treatment of BDD, frequently obtained treatments to be avoided, and more detailed advice for family members and friends on how to cope with the disorder. Left untreated, the torment of BDD can lead to psychiatric hospitalization and sometimes suicide. With treatment, many sufferers are able to lead normal lives. The Broken Mirror is literally a lifesaving handbook for sufferers, their families, and their doctors. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)616.852Technology Medicine and health Diseases Diseases of nervous system and mental disorders Miscellaneous NeurosesLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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