References Revised

References
1. Arthur, G.K. & Monell, K. (2007). Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Emedicine Specialists. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from Emedicine from Web MD, http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3124.htm

2. BDDHelp. (March 2008). Beat BDD with BDDHelp.com. Retrieved March 4, 2008, from http://www.bddhelp.com/my_blog

3. Hadley, Sallie. (2006). Pharmacologic Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved March 3, 2008, http://www.primarypsychiatry.com/aspx/articledetail.aspx?articleid=513

4. Mayo Clinic Staff. (October 30, 2006). Body dimorphic disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/body- dysmorphic-disorder/DS00559/DSECTION=3
5. Mirror, Mirror: Body Dysmorphic Disorder Part 1 (2007). Retrieved March 3, 2008, from

6. Penzel, Frederick. (February 6, 2008). Behavioral Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/body-dysmorphic- disorder/DS00559/DSECTION=3

7. Phillips, K.A. & Menard, W. (July 2006). Suicidality in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Prospective. Retrieved March 4, 2008, from
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/163/7/1280

8. Wikipedia contributors. (March 4, 2008). Body Dysmorhpic Disorder.
Retrieved March 4, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_dysmorphic_disorder

9. Wilhelm, Sabine. (2005). Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved March 3, 2008,

Annotated Bibliography Revision

Samantha Newman
Annotated Bibliography
1. Arthur, G.K. & Monell, K. (August 20, 2007). Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3124.htm
This source is very helpful and informative because it categorizes each aspect of BDD. One aspect this source covered that others have not is the relation between Body Dysmorphic Disorder and race, age, and sex. Although there have not been many studies over this view of BDD it is definitely interesting. This source shows that there is no known relation between race and BDD. Obviously the most common age for BDD to occur at is the adolescent years. Also, BDD effects men and women equally in symptoms and effects.
2. BDDHelp. (March 2008). Beat BDD with BDDHelp.com. Retrieved March 4, 2008, from http://www.bddhelp.com/my_blog
This site is an online blog from an actual BDD survivor. She covers a variety of issues dealing with BDD with her first hand experience. She has online discussion boards and chat rooms where others who suffer from BDD openly discuss what it is like living a day in their shoes. I believe this will emotionally appeal to a reader because stories from this journal make the disease and the lives of the sufferers more real. She includes tips, information, and resources on how to improve the quality of life for a BDD sufferer.
3. Hadley, Sallie. (2006). Pharmacologic Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved March 3, 2008,
This source focuses entirely on the pharmacologic treatment of BDD. This treatment is the use of anti-depressants to help increase serotonin levels in the brain. A lot of research is shown in this site over the development and testing of these drugs on BDD patients. It also discusses other side effects that may come along with BDD, such as, BDD and OCD. Doctors consider BDD to be a form of OCD, however they are not the same disease. Although, some patients who are diagnosed with BDD, development symptoms of OCD due to stress levels and anxiety. This source shows graphs and charts that consist of the treatment options of BDD. One graph is an actual study that was conducted with different types of pharmacological treatments and patients.

4. Mayo Clinic Staff. (October 30, 2006). Body dimorphic disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/body- dysmorphic-disorder/DS00559/DSECTION=3
As with the previous source, this website includes aspects of BDD that are not often discussed or covered when finding information about it. A major issue that comes along with this disease is finding ways to cope with it. This site sets off a specific category for coping skills. Considering doctors and psychologists do not know a lot about BDD, coping skills are a necessity for those who suffer from BDD. Along with understanding the disease, they must also learn how to manage their lives while living with it. The listed coping skills in this site may seem simple and somewhat obvious, however they could make a drastic change in a sufferer’s life.
5. Penzel, Frederick. (February 6, 2008). Behavioral Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/body-dysmorphic- disorder/DS00559/DSECTION=3
This source focuses directly on one aspect of BDD, which is an aspect I am going to argue in my paper. Through all of my research I have only found two different type of treatment, behavioral and antidepressant. Behavioral treatment is the topic of this site and explains in detail how this treatment is effective and how doctor’s are trying to advance treatment options and develop new ones. It helps readers to better understand this disease and recognize the type of attitude a sufferer must deal with when experiencing BDD. Exposure and response prevention is mainly what Dr. Penzel believes is effective for improvement.
6. Phillips, K.A. & Menard, W. (July 2006). Suicidality in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Prospective. Retrieved March 4, 2008, from
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/163/7/1280
This article is based on a study of suicidal tendencies of those who suffer from BDD. Research was conducted on 200 individuals of 12 years and older. The study found that the majority of individuals had a history of suicide attempts and were generally females. Including adjustments for age, gender, and location, completed suicide rate was 45 times higher than in general population.




7. Wilhelm, Sabine. (2005). Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved March 3, 2008,
This site is based on a research clinic in Massachusetts called, Body Dysmorphic Disorder Clinic and Research Unit. This clinic offers and inside or outside setting for patients. They provide evaluations, consultations, and follow up procedures. This site includes more specific elements of cognitive behavior therapy, such as mirror retraining and activity scheduling. It also gives you specific questions on how to determine or at least of an idea or whether or not an individual is suffering from BDD. Many individuals go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed because they are ashamed or embarrassed of their condition. However, this clinic stresses the importance of reaching out for help because it is important to understand the disease and to have a better life.

Literature Review Revision

Samantha Newman
Literature Review
1. Arthur, G.K. & Monell, K. (August 20, 2007). Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3124.htm
Arthur and Monell’s article covers every common aspect of BDD and then some. Some issues he discussed are frequency, age, sex, etc. Since BDD is fairly new to the medical scene, little is know about this disease and therefore many individuals have gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. BDD affects 1-2% of the general population; however, this is thought to be an underestimate because BDD frequently is under diagnosed. Patients are ashamed of their problem and do not report it to their physicians. Incidence in the cosmetic surgery population ranges from 2-7%. (Arthur & Monell 2007).” Studies have found that misdiagnosis or undiagnosed worsens BDD symptoms and makes the disease harder to treat. Arthur and Monells also covers aspects such as age and sex. Saying, there is no distinguished frequency between male and female sufferers of BDD. However, BDD does begin to affect individuals at a very common stage in their lives. The adolescent years is the most common time when a child may develop BDD (Arthur & Monell 2007).
Arthur and Monells research has covered many areas of BDD that other sources have not dealt with. This make is hard to compare such research on these topics, however, it is interesting to see what some have found when dealing with certain issues about BDD. This source provides very useful, understanding information about the research being done over BDD and the results of that research.
2. BDDHelp. (March 2008). Beat BDD with BDDHelp.com. Retrieved March 4, 2008, from http://www.bddhelp.com/my_blog
This next source is very interesting and insightful in that the author is an actual sufferer of BDD. She shares her firsthand experience with this disorder and all the issues it comes with. Though she offers many tips and advice, she also offers treatment option ideas and ways to seek help. Some of her tips include, looking to the future, education, and to maintain a positive attitude (BDDHelp 2008). She also offers advice on how to deal with the stress BDD puts on personal relationships. She claims educating the family about BDD can be helpful in understanding the disorder. “It may help alleviate some of your own distress if you understand that your loved ones distress/symptoms are part of a disorder, one that is now becoming more recognized (BDDHelp 2008)”.
Although this article does not contain a lot of facts, statistics, or research information. It does give a sense of reality to those who deal with this disorder. It allows readers to understand the pain and issues these people deal with everyday because of BDD. I believe this is a wonderful way for the reader to help understand why this disease is so deteriorating.
3. Hadley, Sallie. (2006). Pharmacologic Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved March 3, 2008, http://www.primarypsychiatry.com/aspx/articledetail.aspx?articleid=513
In this research paper, pharmacological treatments are studied to determine the results and effectiveness of their presence in a BDD sufferers life. The goal of pharmacologic treatment of BDD is to decrease the amount of time engaged in appearance preoccupations and associated compulsive behaviors, which can impair daily functioning, cause emotional distress, and result in a poor quality of life (Hadley 2006).” It covers dosing and duration of SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) during the treatment process. “Like OCD, the dose of SRI needed to treat BDD is usually higher than doses required for treatment of depression (Hadley 2006).” This statement is interesting because it inquires that due to a higher dosage of medication, this disorder must be more severe than depression. However, depression is much more common and researched about than BDD. Research investigating pharmacological treatment has been lacking (Hadley 2006). “SRIs or clomipramine have demonstrated efficacy in symptom reduction for BDD, including the delusional variant of BDD (Hadley 2006).”
4. Penzel, Frederick. (February 6, 2008). Behavioral Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from
http://westsuffolkpsych.homestead.com/bdd.html
The two major modes of treatment discussed in this article is medication that is used to treat OCD and behavioral treatment. “Exposure and response prevention is the primary behavioral intervention (Penzel 2008).” Talk therapy alone is simply not effective enough in treatment, behavioral therapy comes in a twofold.
First, we aim to reduce anxiety about thoughts of deformity via repeated exposure to the thoughts. By doing this, we can bring about habituation to the thoughts as the person gradually exposes him or herself to the thoughts (Penzel 2008).” Patients unintentionally experience the anxiety of their disorder until it gradually dissolves. “Our second aim is to prevent the behaviors just mentioned, that sufferers use to reassure themselves and terminate the anxiety (Penzel 2008)” Homework for response prevention typically includes, “…not inspecting body parts by eye or in mirrors, refraining from questioning others or seeking reassurance, wearing previously avoided clothes that remind the person of the deformity or accentuate what they imagine it is, not consulting physicians or surgeons, not running away from or avoiding situations where they imagine they are being scrutinized by others, etc (Penzel 2008).” This source gives a firsthand look at the intentions and goals of behavioral therapy.


5. Mayo Clinic Staff. (October 30, 2006). Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/body- dysmorphic-disorder/DS00559/DSECTION=3
This source offers so much helpful information. It gives a lot description about the history of BDD. Stating when it was first recognized and recorded as a disorder. It also offers studies that have been taken on patients of BDD and the interesting results of those studies concerning treatment options. It is one of the few sources that offers tips for coping skills and self-care. It also offers advice on when to seek medical help. One of the big issues with BDD is that people are afraid to get help or don’t know when their case is severe enough to draw attention to it. Overall this is a very helpful source and I would definitely recommend this site. The advice and tips offered a whole new view on this disorder.

Portfolio Progress

So I finally feel like I have made a dent in this portfolio developing process. However, I still feel like I have so much to do and so little time. I'm very unsure of how I should organize all of my work and what categories I should have for each "chapter." So I'm working on that and I also have to start on my 200 pages of summaries. Overall this has been a very stressful process but I finally feel like it is all coming together. I just hope that I can make it the very best portfolio possiuble.

Something I found difficult...

This semester I found some difficulty when summarizing the "House of Cards" and Grant McCrackens' "The Evocative Power of things: Consumer Goods and Preservation of Hopes and Ideals". I'm really glad that we did that however. It taught me to read more carefully and focus on what I am reading. The stories were kinda of difficult for me to follow and understand but I definitly came away with an improved ability of reading and understanding. I have been able to understand reading the first time rather than reading through the material several times in order to obtain the information. I have had to read several novels in one of my other classes and I have been able to obtain and understand the ideas brought across in the stories. Although it was hard, I'm glad we did it!

Having Problems!

So my computer is really making it impossible to do my portfolio. It won't print off anything correctly and I can't figure out why, so I'm really starting to stress out! I feel like I have nothing done and no time to do..thankfully, Mrs. Bowles answered some of my questions today so I don't feel so lost. But I have to figure out a way to get all of my work printed off correctley. I'm really upset too because I can't find my brochure which means I may have to redo it. All because of my computer! Anway, I hope I'm not the only one having problems with this portfolio! I feel so overwhelmed!

My Portfolio

So far my portfolio has had a rough start. I have been working on my blogs and cover letter. I'm really overwhelmed with organizing all the work I have done for this class and some of it I have had to email because of my retarded printer so I'm having to go back and try and print all that off. I just hope that tomorrow's class helps because I feel really behind. I'm afraid that I won't have everything in my portfolio that should be there and am afraid I'm not doing this right at all. I have never done a portfolio before but hopefully I will be able to figure all this out and get it done and do a good job on it.

One thing that helped..

I found that the peer reviews we did throughout the semester was very helpful in my writing. It was always interesting to see my readers' point of view and their suggestions. I do feel like they helped me a lot and certain things they have taught me have stuck with me when I write now. I also feel that I helped my peers some when editing their paper. Also, when I read others' work I saw how they approached different topics and ideas and it in return helped me. I'm glad that we were able to do peer reviews and am looking forward to our peer review on our portfolio tomorrow because as of right now I am having some problems with developing it effectively.

Reflection..

One thing I am really grateful that we did this semester was our research/argumentative paper. I was always in A.P. English and wrote A LOT! But I never wrote a research/argumentative paper at the same time. It was always either/or.
Last semester, we never wrote anything other than persuasive or personal essays. I was also relieved to have used APA format because I never used it in high school. I'm glad though that now I know how to use it. I am also thankful for the Owl Purdue website because that helped out a lot while writing this paper. I definitly feel like a came away with a lot this semester and am more confident when writing. I also have a better awareness of how to effectively research a topic and do it so that mor sources are reliable and credible.

What I most enjoyed in Writing 1320

I think the thing I most enjoyed in this class this semester was our research paper that we wrote. I enjoy writing and learning more about what interests me and I was glad we were able to chose our own topics for this paper. Although, I was not familiar with APA formatting, I didn't think it was that difficult to do nor too different from the MLA style. The one thing that concerned me most was the length of my paper and being able to find what information I would need in order to make it complete. My topic is very new to the medical scene and not too many people are aware of it so information was definitly limited. However, I enjoyed the topic I chose and I enjoyed learning more about it so that made it easier to write. I just wish we could have done more papers and less Wikipedia stubs!

The Hardest Thing for me this Semester

I think one of the hardest things for me in this class this semester was the Wikipedia stub. I had such a difficult time with Then once I had a topic I was unable to post my information because of some default on Wikipedia. It basically said I had unreliable sources for my topic, so I had to go back and look over all my sources and find new and credible information. Once I posted my stub, I had some information edited by one of the editors and had to figure out what was wrong with my stub and then revise it and re-add it. It was such a mess and was very stressful. A Wikipedia stub is something I hope I never have to do again.

What was easy about my research paper...

The main thing that was really easy for me about my research paper was deciding on a topic. I have always been interested in Body Dysmorphic Disorder and even did a speech on it in a college class back home. Like I have said before it is not common but it is something that needs to be known. Credible information was somewhat difficult to find but regardless I was impressed with what information I could find. I was really relieved to have decided on a topic so quickly because it gave me more time to work on my paper. It was definitely one less thing to worry about.

What was difficult while writing my research paper...

The one thing that was probably the hardest for me to do was to find reliable and credible sources. My topic is very uncommon and there has not been a lot of research conducted about it. I was surprised that I found as many sources as I did but some of the research and information was the same. One source that I was questionable about was Wikipedia. After doing our Wikipedia stubs, I understand how easy it is to change and edit information online. However, the information that was on Wikipedia was very useful and was different from what the other sources provided. I ended up using some information off there that I was able to back up with other more credible sources but was still disappointed that the majority of the information was questionable. This instance makes me wish that Wikipedia didn't allow others to edit and add whatever information they wanted.

BDD Freewrite

I chose to write about Body Dysmorphic Disorder because I feel like although it is not as common or known about as disorders like OCD and depression it will definitley be an issue in the near future. When it does become a common disorder, I feel that everyone should be aware and well informed. BDD has only been formally recognized as a medical disorder for a little over ten years, so research is in its early stages. BDD affects 1-2% of the American population, which seems to be an insignificant amount. However, researchers believe this number is inaccurate due to misdiagnosis or undiagnosis. Individuals who may have symptoms of BDD are often times to ashamed or unaware of their disorder to go see a doctor. Growing up, majordisorders and health issues were always mentioned or taught throughout my high school years. BDD was not one of those disorders mentioned in order to spread awareness about BDD, health professionals, clinics and schols need to inform the general public as much as possible. As a result of being informded, possilbe BDD sufferers will be more likely to seek help and will have a better understanding of what is going on in their life.

Free Write 3

While writing my blogs I was able to focus on directing important points to my audience. I was also able to support each point effectively. It also helped a great deal by reading others work. I was able to see how other students approached and supported topics and ideas. Comments left on my blogs were also helpful in reassuring me that I was going in the right direction or helping me improve different aspects of my writing.

Free Write 2

I have learned several things while writing my research paper. Along with knowledge of APA formatting, I have learned how to find reliable sources. I am much more careful about the material I read when considering if it couldbe true and reliable. I have also improved my writing skills by learning better organization skills and how to spark interest in my audience.

Free Write 1

One thing I have certainly gained in this class over the semester is the knowledge of APA formatting. Before, I had always used MLA but after writing our research/argumentative paper I see the similarities between the two formats. APA is not necessarily easier to format but is an equally effective way to cite sources. I have never been exposed to APA formatting until this class. I find it unusual that in high school you are only taught and required to use MLA style. Moreover, the difference between the two is very slight. I don't understand if you only use one type of formatting for certain documents or not though. Also, I'm not sure exactly how the two are different or even why. However, both prove to be effective and easy to format.

Brochure Inquiry

Name: Samantha Newman Topic: Body Dysmorphic Disorder
What do you think are the main ideas or questions about your topic?
1. What are the main types of treatment for BDD?
2. What skills are effective when coping with BDD?
3. How can I be properly diagnosed?
4. What are the most common types of complications that come with BDD?
5. Hoiw can I learn more about this disorder?
Before the next class, talk to three other people and get their response to the same question: What are the main ideas or questions you have about ___________? (you can add more than the five questions to those listed here if you need to.)
Person 1: Jackie Small 1. It is apparent there are two types of treatment but why is it restricted to just two?
2. Coping with BDD must be difficult, is there anything more drastic that can be done?
3. Once again, diagnosis of BDD doesnt seem to be very effective or consistent
4. Basically complications with this disorer are common in other types of disorders as well.
5. Since BDD is not very common, schools and doctors should definitly do more to raise awareness.
Person 2: Katherine Sneed

1. The treatment options that are currently available should be more consistent before they look towards developing new ones
2. Coping skills must be reinforced and ingrained in that person because they don't seem extreme enough
3. More than a questionnare should be done
4. Coping skills should be added for the complications that come along with BDD as well
5. Just as OCD and depression is common, BDD should be equally as common
Person 3: Tori Watkins
1. Two treatment options seems enough, as long as they are helping.
2. The coping skills seem effective
3. The questionnaire is a little indefinite, due to so many misdiagnosis
4. Sufferers should be aware of complications
5. Awareness of this disease is vital in the prevention of BDD
Synthesis: Circle the key ideas or questions on your topic above, or write them on the back.

Bibliography #8

Wilhelm, Sabine. (2005). Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved March 3, 2008, http://www.massgeneral.org/bdd/pages/bddInfo.htm

This site is based on a research clinic in Massachusetts called, Body Dysmorphic Disorder Clinic and Research Unit. This clinic offers and inside or outside setting for patients. They provide evaluations, consultations, and follow up procedures. This site includes more specific elements of cognitive behavior therapy, such as mirror retraining and activity scheduling. It also gives you specific questions on how to determine or at least of an idea or whether or not an individual is suffering from BDD. Many individuals go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed because they are ashamed or embarrassed of their condition. However, this clinic stresses the importance of reaching out for help because it is important to understand the disease and to have a better life.

Bibliography #7

Wikipedia contributors. (March 4, 2008). Body Dysmorhpic Disorder.
Retrieved March 4, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_dysmorphic_disorder

This article obviously discusses the various aspects of Body Dysmorphic Disorder, however it does focus on one aspect that no other source has covered yet. The history of BDD not only contains interesting information about BDD but re-emphasizes how unaware and “new” this disease is. BDD was first documents in 1886 by a researcher named Morselli who coined the term, “Dysmorphophobia.“ However, recognition of this disease didn’t truly come about until 1987. The American Psychiatric Association first recognized and recorded the disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Technically, this disorder has only been recognized for about twenty years and therefore is not widely known.

Bibliography #6

Phillips, K.A. & Menard, W. (July 2006). Suicidality in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Prospective. Retrieved March 4, 2008, from
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/163/7/1280

This article is based on a study of suicidal tendencies of those who suffer from BDD. Research was conducted on 200 individuals of 12 years and older. The study found that the majority of individuals had a history of suicide attempts and were generally females. Including adjustments for age, gender, and location, completed suicide rate was 45 times higher than in general population.

Bibliography #5

Penzel, Frederick. (February 6, 2008). Behavioral Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from
http://westsuffolkpsych.homestead.com/bdd.html
This source focuses directly on one aspect of BDD, which is an aspect I am going to argue in my paper. Through all of my research I have only found two different type of treatment, behavioral and antidepressant. Behavioral treatment is the topic of this site and explains in detail how this treatment is effective and how doctor’s are trying to advance treatment options and develop new ones. It helps readers to better understand this disease and recognize the type of attitude a sufferer must deal with when experiencing BDD. Exposure and response prevention is mainly what Dr. Penzel believes is effective for improvement.

Bibliography #4

Mayo Clinic Staff. (October 30, 2006). Body dimorphic disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/body- dysmorphic-disorder/DS00559/DSECTION=3

As with the previous source, this website includes aspects of BDD that are not often discussed or covered when finding information about it. A major issue that comes along with this disease is finding ways to cope with it. This site sets off a specific category for coping skills. Considering doctors and psychologists do not know a lot about BDD, coping skills are a necessity for those who suffer from BDD. Along with understanding the disease, they must also learn how to manage their lives while living with it. The listed coping skills in this site may seem simple and somewhat obvious, however they could make a drastic change in a sufferer’s life.

Bibliography #3

Hadley, Sallie. (2006). Pharmacologic Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved March 3, 2008, http://www.primarypsychiatry.com/aspx/articledetail.aspx?articleid=513

This source focuses entirely on the pharmacologic treatment of BDD. This treatment is the use of anti-depressants to help increase serotonin levels in the brain. A lot of research is shown in this site over the development and testing of these drugs on BDD patients. It also discusses other side effects that may come along with BDD, such as, BDD and OCD. Doctors consider BDD to be a form of OCD, however they are not the same disease. Although, some patients who are diagnosed with BDD, development symptoms of OCD due to stress levels and anxiety. This source shows graphs and charts that consist of the treatment options of BDD. One graph is an actual study that was conducted with different types of pharmacological treatments and patients.

Bibliography #2

BDDHelp. (March 2008). Beat BDD with BDDHelp.com. Retrieved March 4, 2008, from http://www.bddhelp.com/my_blog

This site is an online blog from an actual BDD survivor. She covers a variety of issues dealing with BDD with her first hand experience. She has online discussion boards and chat rooms where others who suffer from BDD openly discuss what it is like living a day in their shoes. I believe this will emotionally appeal to a reader because stories from this journal make the disease and the lives of the sufferers more real. She includes tips, information, and resources on how to improve the quality of life for a BDD sufferer.

Annotated Bibliography 1

1. Arthur, G.K. & Monell, K. (August 20, 2007). Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3124.htm

This source is very helpful and informative because it categorizes each aspect of BDD. One aspect this source covered that others have not is the relation between Body Dysmorphic Disorder and race, age, and sex. Although there have not been many studies over this view of BDD it is definitely interesting. This source shows that there is no known relation between race and BDD. Obviously the most common age for BDD to occur at is the adolescent years. Also, BDD effects men and women equally in symptoms and effects.

Vanquish Fear and Anxiety

Today I saw a website that dealt with treatments of BDD. I found one interesting method that I had yet to hear of. A home study cd program called Vanquish Fear and Anxiety was being advertised. Apparentley, this program teaches you how to control your emotions and five steps to confidence, calm, and happiness. What I found to be interesting was the claim that this product can relieve a patient of their disease in just 24 hours! This product also claimed to know about secrets that doctors dont even know about how fears and phobias actually work. Clearly this product is a scam and absolutely ridiculous. It's really pathetic to see that some people are actually trying to manipulate and make money off of individuals who have a serious, life threatening disease.
To check this product out go to:
http://www.changethatsrightnow.com/problem_detail.asp?SDID=6552:1945

Research Continued...

I was looking at sources today and came across some new, interesting information about Body Dysmorphic Disorder. First of all the majority of my research has been conducted in America and studied on Americans. But I found a European source today that had a story on there about how someone with BDD had surgery to remove their limbs because they thought they were too hideous. This story was absolutely outrageous, it really made me think that this disease is so real and so controlling that individuals are willing to lose their arms and legs over it. I also found that one in every fifty people have BDD, whether there case is severe or not. I just thought these were some interesting facts and thought I would share them. =)

BDD Clinic

Today when I was researching BDD I came across a website that talked about a clinic for BDD. I was unaware that there were clinics in the United States for this disorder. Apparently, The Los Angeles Body Dysmorphic Disorder & Body Image Clinic is the first BDD clinic on the West Coast of the United States that deals primarily with every aspect of BDD. This is the only clinic I have been able to find online so far that completely devotes the whole clinic to Body Dysmorphic Disorder. The clinic deals with the symptoms just as doctors do, depressionm, anxiety, OCD. They have an outpatient facility where the evaluate and treat BDD. They also have an intensive care program and medication management. I think this is a very good idea and it also helps spread awareness about this disease.

Surgical Treatment

Some patients believe that meeting with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon may solve their BDD disorder. However, a patient who takes the surgical route is often more disgusted with the outcome and their symptoms are increased. Sometimes after procedures are completed, patients find a new feature to be concerned about. BDD patients are considered the worst patients to deal with. They insist the specialist's reassurance and repeated procedures. Even when advised to stay out of the operating room, BDD patients do not believe that further procedures are not needed. Doctor's often refuse to operate on patients who suffer from BDD because patients are usually expected to be dissatisfied and could therefore file lawsuits.

Race/Sex/Age of BDD

I havent been able to find any data that proves there is a consistent relationship between BDD and race. However, cultures and certain groups that place a higher emphasis on physical beauty may be more prone to having BDD. I did find some information on the BDD gender. Surprisingly, BDD affects men and women equally. Men however, that suffer from BDD are 50% more likely to be diagnosed with substance abuse. Women are more likely to suffer from panic attacks and anxiety and are more concerned with their breats and legs than any other body part. It is no surprise that BDD commonly develops amoung the younger generation. BDD commonly forms in adolescence and young adulthood. Teens 16-17 years old are at a common age where BDD is developed. However, an individual diagnosed with BDD could suffer for the rest of their lives because of this disease.

Locations of Imagined Defects

While looking on Wikipedia, I found statistics of the most common areas of patietns perceived flaws. I thought this was really interesting, however, Wikipedia got this information from the book The Broken Mirror.

skin (73%)
hair (56%)
nose (37%)
weight (22%)
stomach (22%)
breasts/chest/nipples (21%)
eyes (20%)
thighs (20%)
teeth (20%)
legs (overall) (18%)
body build / bone structure (16%)
ugly face (general) (14%)
lips (12%)
buttocks (12%)
chin (11%)
fingers (11%)
eyebrows (11%)

source: The Broken Mirror, Katharine A Philips, Oxford University Press, 2005 ed, p56

Development of BDD

BDD usually develops in early teen years, when teens are very preoccupied with their appearance. Patients often experience symptoms such as depression, OCD, or social anxiety. Because there is such a limited amount of information about this disease, people often do not realize they are suffering from it. A definite cause of BDD is unknown, however several factors may play into the development of this disease. A chemical imbalance in the brain is one possible factor. Low levels of serotonin may contribute to BDD. Obsessive compulsive disorder- BDD is thought to be a form of OCD because of the consistent rituals and habits of an individual diagnosed with BDD. Anxiety is also considered a factor of BDD. BDD may co-exist with any type of anxiety disorder. Anxiety and BDD involves non stop worrying that somewhat controls a patients daily life, it can cause exaggerated or unrealistic anxiety about certain situations or appearance, such as a defect of perceived flaw.

Treatment Of BDD

Studies have shown that psychodynamic therapy is proven to be ineffective for treating BDD. However, CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) proved to be more effective. A study was conducted using 54 patients, this study found that symptoms decreased dramatically in those who used CBT. In 82% of cases, BDD was eliminated at post treatment, 77% was eliminated at follow up. Another popular treatment is the use of antidepressants. In a controlled study of 74 subjects, the efficiency of fluoxetine hydrochloride, a SSRI drug was evaluated. Patients were chosen at random to receive 12 weeks of double treatment with fluoxetine or the placebo. At the end of the study, 53% of patients responded positively to the fluoxetine. BDD if left untreated can definitely worsen as time goes on. Treatment may now completely eliminate the disorder but it can certainly make it more bearable.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_dysmorphic_disorder

Proposal Revision

My research project focuses on a growing disease called Body Dysmorphic Disorder or BDD. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a psychological perception of a perceived flaw. This disorder comes with serious damage and is rapidly growing worldwide. Individuals diagnosed with BDD are constantly aware of their appearance. They obsess with their reflection in front of the mirror for hours and some refuse to go outside or be seen by anyone but themselves. I will mainly focus on the different types of treatment offered to those who suffer from BDD. However, I will use the other aspects such as causes, who it affects, and other issues as background information. I hope to accomplish various things with this paper. First off, my main goal is to obviously inform. I want to bring attention to this disorder because it is becoming mainstream. However, by being more informed my audience will be better equipped to deal with this disease whether because of their suffrage or a loved ones. It is becoming a widely known disease that needs to bring awareness. I will in fact argue that BDD needs more attention. This disorders is becoming more wide spread however, society and even doctors don’t know a lot about it. BDD should be just as common as OCD, ADD, etc. I will also argue the diagnosis process of this disease. As of right now the only definite way to diagnosis BDD is through a questionnaire given by a psychologist or psychiatrist. This is an ineffective way for a diagnosis because it is only based on behavior that could easily be associated with other types of disorders. Misdiagnosis could also mean mistreatment and would therefore be of no benefit to the patient and could possibly worsen the behavior. An uneducated individual may believe this disease isn't life threatening but it is controlling and detrimental enough that over 50% of individuals diagnosed with BDD commit or attempt suicide. I want to certainly point out the several different treatment options, entailing that there is hope when dealing with this disorder. The two most common treatment options are antidepressants and cognitive behavior therapy. SSRI's (selective seritonin ruptake inhibitors) help the effects of this disease by decreasing anxiety and alleviating other symptoms of BDD. Another treatment option is cognitive behavior therapy. This is a verbal therapy session that identifies the perceived flaw or parts of obsession and other destructive behaviors and replaces those thoughts and actions with a more positive behavior. This treatment emphasizes that only the diagnosed individual can change they way they think and act so they must learn to manage and cope with BDD first in order to get better. CBT also encourages for the patient to spend less time in front of the mirror and more time outside socializing. I also want to touch on the causes of BDD and who is more likely to be affected by it. I mainly want my audience to be informed and aware. As well as to realize this disease is not a form of selfishness or vanity.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Proposal

My research project focuses on a growing disease called Body Dysmorphic Disorder or BDD. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a psychological perception of a perceived flaw. This disorder comes with serious damage and is rapidly growing worldwide. Individuals diagnosed with BDD are constantly aware of their appearance. They obsess with their reflection in front of the mirror for hours and some refuse to go outside or be seen by anyone but themselves. I will mainly focus on the different types of treatment offered to those who suffer from BDD. However, I will use the other aspects such as causes, who it affects, and other issues as background information. I hope to accomplish various things with this paper. First off, my main goal is to obviously inform. I want to bring attention to this disorder because it is becoming mainstream. However, by being more informed my audience will be better equipped to deal with this disease whether because of their suffrage or a loved ones. It is becoming a widely known disease that needs to bring awareness. An uneducated individual may believe this disease isn't life threatening but it is controlling and detrimental enough that over 50% of individuals diagnosed with BDD commit or attempt suicide. I want to certainly point out the several different treatment options, entailing that there is hope when dealing with this disorder. The two most common treatment options are antidepressants and cognitive behavior therapy. SSRI's (selective seritonin ruptake inhibitors) help the effects of this disease by decreasing anxiety and alleviating other symptoms of BDD. Another treatment option is cognitive behavior therapy. This is a verbal therapy session that identifies the perceived flaw or parts of obsession and other destructive behaviors and replaces those thoughts and actions with positivity. This treatment emphasizes that only the diagnosed individual can change they way they think and act so they must learn to manage and cope with BDD first in order to get better. CBT also encourages for the patient to spend less time in front of the mirror and more time outside socializing. I also want to touch on the causes of BDD and who is more likely to be affected by it. I mainly want my audience to be informed and aware. As well as to realize this disease is not a form of selfishness or vanity.

Here is a link that shows the battle several teens face when dealing with this disorder:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iAuc2xAM7-8&feature=related

My Research Topic & Source URL's

For my research paper, I will be focusing on the different aspects of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Eating_Disorders/peacelovehope/bdd.html

http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3124.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/body-dysmorphic-disorder/DS00559/DSECTION=3

http://westsuffolkpsych.homestead.com/bdd.html

http://www.ocdla.com/bodydysmorphicdisorder.html

House of Cards Summary and Critique

One major factor in last week's stock market drop is the concern that the subprime mortgage market's problems will spread.
Several subprime lenders have shut down or experienced plumating stocks. Real estate prices have dropped with a free fall appreciation rate.
Easy money was the weak foundation built for the housing boom. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates as a response to the 2001 recession.
Rising home prices and cheap money increased demand and pushed home prices higher. The demand by investors for mortgage backed securities was another major factor that created a credit bubble.
Loans are standard practice that are given to borrowers with unstable credit history, no down payment, and no income verification. It is estimated that one in five subprime loans given in the past two years will end in foreclosure.
Risky lending practices began in the Alt-A-Market which is between subprime and prime borrowers. With a combined rate from consumer markets and Alt-A loans, 40% of 2006 mortgages were risky.
An immediate increase in demand promoted by unstable mortgages was key in the increase of home prices. It presently costs half as much to rent as to own which proves the market price of real estate is disconnected with its value.
Banks are beginning to tightentheir underwriting standards as well as lending standards. Due to pressure from Congress, they are tightening standards on subprime loans.
The demand for housing will be reduced when risky loans are hard to get and credit conditions are tightened. The boom of real estate is how reversing and is becoming "vicious" with increased foreclosures, lower home prices, etc.
The worst of the "housing slump" is believed to be ahead of us. The big issue is how decreasing home prices and increasing "delinquencies" will affect and possibly destroy economic growth.
As foreclosures increase, questions of blame and questios of possible solutions arise.
Politicians won't blame consumers but those speculators, borrowers, and exchangers knew they were taking a risk.
Risks of these loan products are often misrepresented. The mortgage brokers, banks, and Wall Street firms who "securitized" credit rating agencies and mortgages that increased their worthiness of credit will make obvious political targets.
However, Congress's hands are tied because they can't do much without worsening the problem. If Congress tries to help consumers out, they may worsen the problem by saving incentives such as lowering your mortgage payment. If the "bailout" is more about rebuilding debt it could bring down te downturn. Allowing consumers to go bankrupt and have a new beginning would probably have been a better solution.
When the Federal Reserve cut rates for extra cusion for the economy as a result, we are suffering from housing problems and mortgage markets. Home prices and financial distress will continue if consumers continue to take out risky loans.

Critique:
Laperriere does an exceptional job of explainging how risky loans are fueling economic instability and the housing boom. He thoroughly goes in-depth about every aspect of credit policies, mortgages, and payment options. The only thing I did not like about this article was the vocabulary. The vocabulary used was very difficult to comprehend. I wished he would have used smaller, easier words to explain risky loans and all that comes with it. I have had little experience and exposure to the topics he discusses and often found myself stumbling over several words and concepts.

Final Wikipedia Stub

The idea of farming in Europe is considered to have begun about 15,000 years ago. Ice that covered much of Britain retreated
north and left a landscape of tundra and rock. This landscape formed a landbridge, establishing tracks and routes. Farming in Britain appeared ranging from seeds to marks of an ard (the first plough)about 6,000 years ago. Crops wre grown on new fields until yields dropped. Farmers then moved to clear off other forests. Farmers soon realized the importance of manure and allowed their worked fields to recover fertility. Settlements soon formed and fields began to be divided. Farming in the Middle East began in present day Turkey about 10,000 years ago. Settlements formed in Cutal Huyuk and
Jericho where farmers harvested wildgrass seeds. Jericho was located along a consistent water source and therefore flourished. Farmers began to understand the concept and importance of rich, fertilized soil.

Rymer,E.(January 2004).Story of Farming. Retrieved Febuary 3, 2008, from<http://www.historylink101.com/lessons/farm-city/story-of-farming.htm>

Wilkinson, J. History of Farming. Retrieved Febuary 3, 2008, from<http://www.keyshistory.co/farming.html>

Wroot, S. A Short History of Farming. Retrieved Febuary 15,2008, from<http://www.farm-direct.co.uk/farming/history/shorthist.html>

Farming Critique

My article over the history and methods of farming was simple to find as well as interesting and informative. As a reader, the author made the history of farming easy to comprehend as well as vivid. Methods have progressed dramatically over time and it is interesting to see how settlements farmed before industrialization. Although the article was informative, I would have liked it if the author went into more detail about the indrustrial revolution and how specific machinary improved the methods of farming.

Rymer, E. (January 2004). Story of Farming. Retreived Febuary 3, 2008, from http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=4691249897382054262

"The Story of Farming" (www.historylink101.com)

With the age of time, mankind was found newer and more productive means of farming. However, farming has come a long way and dates back to 6000 B.C.
Farming roots began in countries known today as Turkey and the Middle East about 10,000 years ago. Evidence has been found in early settlments such as Catal Huyuk and Jericho. In these settlements, people used seeds of wild grasses to plant for next seasons harvest, these seeds are now what makes up ceral.
Jericho's people who considered hunter-gathers who would eat edible plants as well as hunt wild animals. Jericho was one of the larger permenant settlements where man started to harvest and plant various types of seeds.
River systems also increased harvest supply for civilizations such as the Egyptians or the Chinese Empire. The river provided silt, which naturally fertilized the land and brought in new minerals as enrichment for the soil.
The 1700's started what was known as an aricultural revolution. The adoption of crops came in during this period and helped make the "new world" a more productive environment.
Around 1850, the industrial revolution stirred up the business of agriculture with the creation of mechanical methods. These new mechanized methods along with smarter farming help increase Europes crop yield.
A whole new type of farming was brought about when steam power and gas powered equipment began to develop.

My NEW Wikipedia Stub

So my original subject for my Wikipedia stub was trusses but now I have changed it to farming.

I consider myself an open-minded person, but my deal breakers are when people are close minded towards certain subjects or aspects of life that I am passionate about. I do not like close minded people nor do I like to associate myself with them. I like to be accepting towards new ideas, lifestyles, and interests. However, I will place judgement on those who are unwilling to open up to different or opposing views.

Something I learned from the last person I dated is to be a stronger person. We had been together for two years and went through a lot of ups and downs. But the one thing I will take away from that relationship is strength. He is one of very few people I know that have truly had a difficult life and has experienced many hardships. Inevitably he has come out on top. He is an intelligent and hard working individual. I have a lot of respect for him and always remember the situations he has had to face and I am instantly reminded of how blessed I am.

It's Sunday morning at 10 a.m. If I'm not still sleeping, I'm at church with my mom or checking cows with my dad. My parents own a ranch in Thayer, Mo and they each devote a lot of time towards it. However, my mom would never be caught missing a Sunday morning church service. Likewise, my father would never miss a morning feed. So therefore I am forced to choose which what my Sunday morning will consist of. Usually if I decide to go with my dad I am given a guilt trip by my mom and am unintentionally forced to go to church with her. Although, if I am here in Conway on a Sunday morning I am definately asleep.

When I die, I believe I will go to heaven or hell. I've been raised to believe in an optional eternity depending on how I live my life while I am on earth. Obviously I would prefer to go to heaven but like I said it depends on how I choose to live my life and I have a long life ahead of me.

Something people keep buying me for gifts and I never use is gloves. Every year for Christmas someone in my family always manages to get me a pair of gloves. Which I never wear gloves, so I have a million pair that probably still have their tags on them.

One sport I will never get is soccer. My brother used to play soccer when he was younger and always tried explaining it to me but I never understood what the rules and terms of the game are. But soccer is one of the few sports I don't take interest in so I don't really take the time to learn or even play the game. I guess that's why I don't understand the point of it.

When I was a kid, I actually owned the meanest horse you will ever meet! I was around ten when I got a Paint horse for my birthday. I begged my parents for a long time for a horse because I wanted to learn to ride. Well my parents decided to buy me a colt so that I could raise it and it would be used to me. I never got around to raising it because it was the meanest horse I had ever been around. It would bite and kick anyone and everyone who tried to come around. So shortly after a year, we sold him and I haven't had a horse since.