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.
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