Of Bodies And Symptoms

The question of the social treatment of the body and its transformations emerges in relation to issues of varying types (economic, therapeutic, ideological, cultural, aesthetic,commercial, technical). This book examines the various ways of managing bodily symptoms or transformations and the social stakes and systems of knowledge which relate to them, both on the medical and social level. The contributions provide analyses that concern a broad range of countries. Through the themes it tackles and the subjects it examines, this book reveals both the universal nature of the questions it asks, and the evolution of the objects and approaches of anthropology itself.

In August, 1985, the 2nd International Conference on Illness Behaviour was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The first International Conference took place one year previous in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. This book is based on the proceedings of the second conference. The purpose behind this conference was to facilitate the development of a single integrated model to account for illness experience and presentation. A major focus of the conference was to outline methodological issues related to current behaviour research. A multidiscipl~nary approach was emphasized because of the bias that collaborative efforts are likely to be the most successful in achieving greater understanding of illness behaviour. Significant advances in our knowledge are occurring in all areas of the biological and social sciences, albeit more slowly in the latter areas. Marked specialization in each of these areas has lead to greater difficulty in integrating new knowledge with that of other areas and the development of a meaningful cohesive model to which all can relate. Thus there is a major need for forums such as that provided by this conference.

"Body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, is a disease that causes sufferers to be obsessed by perceived flaws in their appearance. In the original edition of The Broken Mirror, the first book ever written on the topic of BDD, Dr. Katharine Phillips brought readers an authoritative and comprehensive guide to this often-debilitating illness. Like the original, this Revised and Expanded Edition draws on Dr. Phillips' years of clinical practice and scientific research, including professional evaluations of approximately 900 individuals with BDD. Phillips describes severe cases, but also a multitude of milder cases. Whereas some sufferers are debilitated by their concerns, others are able to function well in society, but remain secretly obsessed by their "hideous acne" or "horrible nose," sneaking constant peeks at a pocket mirror, or spending hours at a time redoing makeup. BDD may afflict as much as two percent of the population - nearly 6 million people."--BOOK JACKET.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that’s often misunderstood by the general public and doctors alike. This book aims to dispel myths about fibromyalgia and offers practical strategies that can help anyone living with this condition manage it successfully and return to a fulfilling and enjoyable life. Drawing on decades of experience in treating fibromyalgia, Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia offers research-supported, practical strategies that can help anyone with fibromyalgia live their best life now. From personal stories of people living with fibromyalgia to the compassionate expertise of its medical editors, this book seeks to first connect with people who have fibromyalgia in a way that they may not have experienced from loved ones and even doctors. From there, readers will learn about what fibromyalgia is – and isn’t – and find solace in knowing that they’re not alone in the challenges that they face. The half of the book sets the foundation for the second half, which outlines practical strategies shown to be effective in managing fibromyalgia. Along the way, worksheets will help guide readers toward finding the best mix of strategies for managing their symptoms. The entire book comes together in the last part, where readers will put everything they’ve learned into an actionable daily plan that they can start using right away. This book is divided into 4 parts: Part 1 defines fibromyalgia, describes what causes it, and lists the challenges it can pose Part 2 outlines treatment options Part 3 describes strategies for managing fibromyalgia Part 4 outlines steps toward working with your health care team and family and creating a daily action plan for managing symptoms From Publishers Weekly: Coming from one of the most reliable, respected health resources that Americans have, this book is the first one a newly diagnosed patient should consult. (Sept.)