This is not for me, by the way, but for someone else!!

Some freinds of my parents are at the end of their tether, because they have a daughter that throughout life has been so affected by Hollywood and the whole celebrity concept of looking beautiful, that she is severely anorexic and even slashes her wrists in sheer desperation because she cant reach the high standards of beauty that Hollywood portrays!! She, literally feels that she is worthless because she is not like this celebrity or that celebrity, which is why she slashes her wrists and does other self-mutilation acts!! She has REAL DEEP DOWN psychological problems!! They have literally tried everything and have spent thousands and thousands of dollars on every kind of treatment, even re-mortgaging their home to cover all medical expenses!!

Does anyone on here have any advice or imput on this situation?? What is the best source of treatment for her??

This is a real desperate situation!!!

In my opinion it takes a person who is ready to dedicate their time to her in order to reach deep inside, without giving her medicines to make her numb (that would only drag her deeper in the darkness and further from the truth, and make it harder to get out). Her willingness to receive help and openness towards healing is also very important, if not crucial.

She also has severe seizures!! I have no idea what causes them though!! It could be due to the anorexia because her body is just not getting all the necessary nutrients, so they are constantly rushing her to hospital and then they have to sit by her bedside to prevent her from passing away!!

Personally, I blame her parents, because they should have been more "in tune" with their kids way back when they were kids, but they were so wrapped up in building up a lucrative business!!

This girl is in her late 20s/early 30s, by the way!!

well - myself - would try to bring her out of her self pity - give her some self worth. I would ask her to volunteer at a charity - animals are a good start because they don't expect anything from you just affection - food - and get the parents to go with her, because she cannot do this on her own - but when her confidence is back then they can back off. Confidence is a gradual thing and it will take time but animals seem to sense this and before you know it there is different person there.

I get my children - who are spoilt - I know it - but we take toys and clothes to charity shops and they spend their money in charity shops, the fill the charity bags with their old clothes, toys etc so they feel a part of it. I takle them to the animal shelter and we give animal food and they help out with chores.

I find that they love to give - either of themselves - their time - their money - or their belongings. Later on they will do some charity work. I have found that their self worth about things is amazing - they are self affacing and have confidence. They meet all sorts of people and they know how lucky they are. My children are 8 and 9 but I am finding that body issues even affect children as young as this. When they are involved in something that is giving - it gives a wonderful feeling that you have accomplished something - attaining to be hollywood perfect is somewhat unattainable and thus takes away the confidence. Depression is also allievated because of the good feelings you attain and the confidence you gain.

Hope this helps

TheRide2011 said:

She also has severe seizures!! I have no idea what causes them though!! It could be due to the anorexia because her body is just not getting all the necessary nutrients, so they are constantly rushing her to hospital and then they have to sit by her bedside to prevent her from passing away!!

Personally, I blame her parents, because they should have been more "in tune" with their kids way back when they were kids, but they were so wrapped up in building up a lucrative business!!

This girl is in her late 20s/early 30s, by the way!!

Well, when the soul is in so much pain, the body can't be doing very well either.

Sure, it's sad if they haven't noticed what's been going on with her, but there's no point in blaming anyone right now. Besides, we're not here to judge. We are here to help, but it's only possible when our help is wanted, especially in such situations.

I'm sure it's very hard for everyone involved, and I hope she will find peace. But, like I said, she must want to get better. It will be hard, because encountering oneself is not easy, and it might include/affect everyone around her, especially the parents.

TheRide2011 said:

She also has severe seizures!! I have no idea what causes them though!! It could be due to the anorexia because her body is just not getting all the necessary nutrients, so they are constantly rushing her to hospital and then they have to sit by her bedside to prevent her from passing away!!

Personally, I blame her parents, because they should have been more "in tune" with their kids way back when they were kids, but they were so wrapped up in building up a lucrative business!!

This girl is in her late 20s/early 30s, by the way!!

severe seizures? she should be hospitalized for a while.

Also Insurance Companies keep refusing her coverage and everything, because of her pre-existing condition, so they cant even admit her into a rehabilitation type facility because of the expense!!! And they cant even apply for state and/or Federal help!!!

If she’s an adult there’s not much they can do but support her and be there for her. She has to make the decision to seek help and follow through with any kind of treatment plan. Sounds like she hasn’t found the right doctor or counselor yet. They just need to keep looking and keep encouraging her to go.

As for insurance and medical coverage, you can always apply for help. Doesn’t mean it will be granted, but you can apply. And generally if you’re turned down they will refer you to non-governmental services that may be available to you – churches or non-profits, etc. If she needs emergency medical treatment (such as for a seizure) she can’t be turned away and a hospital social worker would be able to evaluate her situation and offer advice.

In her case, it might be possible that a Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD) is the main cause for her anorexia. When the BDD isn't treated and therefore progresses, the anorexia will too.

She might have a low tolerance for frustration. She therefore is easily stressed and has not developed healthy coping mechanisms to relieve her stress. If she has a vulnerable personality, any treatment should take that in consideration. Also, because with her (presented by you) problems, it is very understandable she develops severe depressive episodes.

However, as abovementioned, first her body needs to be taken care of. Even law enforced hospitalization is an option, when she is a treat to herself.

I don't know where she lives; however, academic hospitals oftentimes offer free cognitive behavioral treatment when it is researched for efficacy. You might want to email David Veale for any possibilities and/or any reference to a knowledgeable psychiatrist/psychologist

I googled research for treatment efficacy of BDD and found this researcher:

David Veale is an honorary senior lecturer at the Royal Free Hospital and University College Medical School, University College London and a consultant psychiatrist at The Priory Hospital North London (Grovelands House, The Bourne, Southgate, London N10 3NA. E-mail: David@veale.co.uk). His main interests are in cognitive-behavioural therapy and its application to anxiety disorders.

This is the link to the article:

http://apt.rcpsych.org/cg...2/125#BIBL

Wish her and her family well. This sounds as complex of interrelated disorders, that all come with great suffering. I hope she will get the rigth and effective treatment.

dJJ said:

In her case, it might be possible that a Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD) is the main cause for her anorexia. When the BDD isn't treated and therefore progresses, the anorexia will too.

She might have a low tolerance for frustration. She therefore is easily stressed and has not developed healthy coping mechanisms to relieve her stress. If she has a vulnerable personality, any treatment should take that in consideration. Also, because with her (presented by you) problems, it is very understandable she develops severe depressive episodes.

However, as abovementioned, first her body needs to be taken care of. Even law enforced hospitalization is an option, when she is a treat to herself.

I don't know where she lives; however, academic hospitals oftentimes offer free cognitive behavioral treatment when it is researched for efficacy. You might want to email David Veale for any possibilities and/or any reference to a knowledgeable psychiatrist/psychologist

I googled research for treatment efficacy of BDD and found this researcher:

David Veale is an honorary senior lecturer at the Royal Free Hospital and University College Medical School, University College London and a consultant psychiatrist at The Priory Hospital North London (Grovelands House, The Bourne, Southgate, London N10 3NA. E-mail: David@veale.co.uk). His main interests are in cognitive-behavioural therapy and its application to anxiety disorders.

This is the link to the article:

http://apt.rcpsych.org/cg...2/125#BIBL

Wish her and her family well. This sounds as complex of interrelated disorders, that all come with great suffering. I hope she will get the rigth and effective treatment.

They need to find her a psychologist that knows how to help her with her problems. She has to have rapport/like the psychologist.