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Understanding and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Oxford University Press
June 2005
412 pages
ISBN: 0195167198
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Non-Fiction
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.
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