November 22, 2009
UTNE READER

A Very Different Body Image Problem

(Page 2 of 2)

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Others with BIID, as Adams reports, manage to avoid the lure of amputation. As a teenager Robert strapped a tourniquet to his leg to induce necrosis, but was unsuccessful. Now at age 70, Robert keeps his BIID in check through diversions like work and church activities. What Robert fears the most is that he won't be able to keep his desires at bay when he grows too old to keep up with such distractions.

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Even for those who undergo amputation, the many years of pre-op depression and silence still linger. 'I think BIID will stay taboo until people get together and bring it out,' Smith concludes. And 'bringing it out' is still a long way off. The BIID Association says that only a single book has been published on BIID, and little academic research has been devoted to the disorder. While BIID might be a taboo for those who have it, more still have no knowledge of its existence.

Go there >> Quirky Minds: Amputee Wannabes

Go there, too >> I Won't Be Happy Until I Lose My Legs (link unavailable)

And there >> Body Identity Integrity Disorder Association

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