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New BIID Study
Written by Sean on Saturday, November 10, 2007
Dr. Michael First is conducting a follow-up study on his original study that was published a few years ago, “Desire for amputation of a limb: paraphilia, psychosis, or a new type of identity disorder”. As this is a follow-up to his study, it specifically targets those people who have a need for an impairment different than amputation. The following paragraph is written by Dr. First:
“Researchers at Columbia University are conducting an anonymous telephone interview to study and understand more about individuals with a desire to become paraplegic or to have some other disability. The goal of this study is to better define this condition in order to stimulate additional research that may eventually result in its inclusion into future editions of the psychiatric diagnostic manual. You must be at least 18 years old in order to participate. If you are interested, please call Dr. Michael First at 212-543-5524 or e-mail him at mbf2@columbia.edu to schedule an interview time.”
Please note that everything will remain confidential. You do not have to fear that talking to him will lead to you being “outed”. He also asked me to point out that you can call “collect” from anywhere in the world and he’ll assume the fees, though you might wish to email first to schedule an appointment.
I am personally very excited by this follow-up study, as it is the first systematic look at BIID including other conditions than amputation by the medical profession. I can only urge people who feel the need to be blind, paralysed, deaf, or have other physical impairment to contact him and participate in the survey.
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10 Comments
2 On 23 November, 2007, Sean said:
The second paragraph on this blog is the official entry for the research.
I responded by email over 1 week ago, there has not been any follow up. Has anybody else tried?
Yes, no response here either. Seems there ought to be at least an acknowledgement that he received it.
5 On 29 November, 2007, Sean said:
Dr. First has been away from his office out of town for a bit more than a week, which explains the lack of responses.
He’s now back (I understand he’s done an interview with Claire yesterday), and should get back to you soon.
6 On 29 November, 2007, Marie said:
I heard from him some weeks ago, currently waiting to see if he can get approval from his board to conduct interviews over IM/email. Phones don’t work so well for me. ;)
Haven’t heard from him, either, but my situation may not be as desireable for the study.
8 On 11 December, 2007, Ahiru said:
I did my interview with him this morning. The interview took two hours and boy did my arm hurt at the end of it. Most of it was alright, it forced me to try and articulate my thoughts verbally a little better, that was hard. It also forced me to recall some painful memories but I can say it is well worth it. I would recommend any other transabled people stepping out and doing an interview.
9 On 12 December, 2007, Claire said:
I participated in the study two weeks ago. I found it to be very non-threatening. Dr. First is a very personable guy and quite easy to talk to. He didn’t ask any personal questions such as my real name, and assured me of my total confidentiality. He also said that at any time we could refuse to answer any question. It did take two hours, but I found that it went by quickly. Many of the questions were very thought-provoking and when I was done I felt that I had learned something about myself and my BIID. Dr. First also gave me some great free advice! If you haven’t emailed him yet, DO SO.
I have also participated in the study by Dr. First. In my case, it was a 2 hr phone interview that was very detailed, very thoughtful, and very professional. I want to urge as many BIID/transabled who need to be paraplegics, deaf, or other non-amputee disabilities to participate. Dr. First hopes to enroll around 50 or so (equal to the number in the amputee study), that way he can compare the different groups. The study is confidential and he is going to listen and ask questions and is not there to pass judgment. Please, if you haven’t contacted Dr. First, do so (the email address is listed in Sean’s post). What Sean, Claire, and Ahiru have said is true, there is nothing to fear and this is the way towards some understanding and acceptance of us.
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1 On 23 November, 2007, Silent Reader said:
So what? Where are the official information from the Columbia University?
Thank´s
Kai