Facing Themselves: Body Dysmorphic Disorder 2001 originally aired in 1999
Distributed by Films Media Group, PO Box 2053, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-2053; 800-257-5126
Produced by ABC News
Director n/a
VHS, color, 14 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Health Sciences, Psychology
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Samantha Gust, Niagara University Library, Niagara University, NYMany teenagers are sensitive about how they look, but some teens despair over their looks to the point of missing school, dropping out of school, rarely leaving the house or even attempting suicide. This condition is called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and it causes normal looking teens to perceive themselves as ugly and repulsive. This informative video explains that BDD is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, specifically low serotonin levels, and has been successfully treated with serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and cognitive-behavioral exposure therapy.
John Stossel from ABC News candidly talks with four teenagers who have battled the disorder, and three doctors discuss their research.
The sound and video quality are excellent.
Highly recommended for health sciences and public libraries.