The Broken Mirror: Understanding and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder
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Book Overview
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.
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.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0195167198
ISBN13:9780195167191
Release Date:June 2005
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Length:432 Pages
Weight:1.40 lbs.
Dimensions:0.9" x 6.3" x 9.3"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
THE ANSWER...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I purchased this book 12 yrs. ago when it was first published, and was moved to tears many times while reading it. That copy was read and reread so many times, that I had to purchase another. I am a parent of a BDD sufferer (gender withheld), and have suffered with that family member as the BDD took hold in mid-teens (always thought it was a passing phase then), and for the many years that followed. Dr. Phillips has written a compassionate and understanding book on a subject that had never been brought into the light of today's society. Reading it makes me realize how many others out there suffer as our now middle-aged child has suffered through all these years. Dr. Phillips gives sound advice to those who are spouses, parents, children or friends who are related or connected to a BDD victim. This book offers hope and guidance...a must read for any BDD sufferer and for those who--like me--suffer along with them.
Bible for BDD
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
BROKEN MIRROR is simply Bible for "Body Dysmorphic Disorder"(previously called" Dysmorphobia"). Here in my country none is well-known about this debilitating disorder. I showed to my Health-professional this book. He studied it and only then prescribed me some effective medication. I recommend all health-professional to read this book before they start treating a BDD-patient. Thanks.
A close examination of body dysmorphic disorder
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Now in a revised and expanded edition, The Broken Mirror: Understanding And Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a close examination of body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, in which sufferers become so obsessed with perceived flaws in their appearance as to experience disruption or depression in their lives. All too often those afflicted with BDD are too embarrassed to speak of their concerns. Katharine Phillips, M.D., author and director of the Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Body Image Program at Butler Hospital in Rhode Island, brings her expertise to bear on this comprehensive general text for psychologists and lay readers alike. Chapters include testimonies of people with BDD, definitions and how to diagnose BDD, causes of BDD, how BDD can be treated with medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy, how BDD relates to anorexia nervosa, obsessive compulsive disorder and other conditions, advice for family members and friends of those with BDD, and more. Presenting a complex medical and psychological problem without straying into excessively technical language, The Broken Mirror is highly recommended.
This Book Changed My Life
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I am a 26 year old woman who has struggled with BBD for many years. I thought I was absolutly crazy until I happend to pick this book up about 6 years ago and found that other people are just like me. It has forever changed me since then. It has given me a name for my actions and piece of mind knowing that I am not alone. I have found strength in this book and can now happily say that I am recovering and functioning again in society as a "normal" person. I was housebound for years and lived in my own created prison. I was literally trapped in the mirror and thought I was a monster and had to hide from the world. Now I know what I have and this book has helped my friends and family better understand my struggles. BBD is just now starting to be talked about, but when I bought this book it was a topic people didnt know about or discussed. Now when I watch TV I can point out others that probably have it too (the woman who was on Oprah who has ungone countless surgeries to look like a Barbie doll and Michael Jackson) maybe they too could get their life back if this was more known about. I see them and connect with them and want to help because I felt that pain once too. This book is a start about getting the word out there. The more information that is out there the better. Just knowing you have this is half of it and admiting to it. This book helped me do that.
AUTHOR REVIEW - EXCELLENT
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
I read "The Broken Mirror" by Katharine A. Phillips and considered the book to be most informative. I have seen this problem in several of my clients and have started recommending the book as a resource for help. The author did a great job uncovering the root causes behind this problem and offered keen insight into medical and theraputic treatments. ---John D. MooreAuthor of Confusing Love with Obsession
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