Author;s note: LOL. This is actually more fun than I think I should be allowed to have using a book that was designed for work...
Explored further client's work history. Discussed performance in sideshows. Client reports he traveled city to city exhibiting self as "living dead man" throughout youth. Although he continued to be self-depreciating regarding appearance (described self as "built up of death from head to toe" and "a corpse"), he spoke with grandiosity about past as a performer. Client claims no negative emotional consequence of freak show employment. On the contrary, states negative self-concept was formed long prior and employment offered monetary gain and financial freedom. Client states skills acquired during employment led to a position of power. R/O 300.7 body dysmorphic disorder.
A quick therpeutic note: R/O means "ruled out" and our therapist is determining that this is NOT a valid diagnosis for Erik because his deformity is not the direct cause of his emotional problems. That is to say he doesn't spend all day staring in a mirror fixated on something he wants to change about himself. Also, typically you're classified as having BDO if there is something small wrong with the way you look and you obsess and exaggerate it. Erik... well... would have plenty to complain about but at times has not let his appearance hold him back.
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