| Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is recognized worldwide and is similar in prevalence to panic disorder. A common kind of BDD is concern over one's size and/or shape. Symptoms range from mild to severe dissatisfaction with one's body image and occur in children as young as 5-years old. The purpose of this project was to create a storybook to aid in recognizing symptoms of BDD and to provide a model for overcoming body image dissatisfaction. The book was designed be used as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I chose a narrative format in order to make the book accessible and engaging to middle-aged women, who constitute a substantial percentage of those with the disorder. The central character in the book begins to recognize that she has symptoms of BDD and then seeks to manage them via CBT. The CBT methods used in the book included creating a thought log, uncovering the beliefs behind the thoughts, learning how thoughts become feelings, learning cognitive errors, designing behavior experiments, and substituting new more rational, supportive thoughts. A panel of 10 mental health practitioners reviewed the book. They rated agreement with six items based on a 5-point Likert scale and two open-ended qualitative questions. The majority of reviewers (60%) agreed that the book's goals were accomplished and that they would use the book in treatment, while 80% said they would recommend it to loved ones. Eight of the 10 gave positive suggestions for what could be included in future versions to help readers feel better about their bodies. |
