Anamorphic Micro is a computerised body image assessment tool.
The software enables the user to input digital images from either a digital camera
or scanner. The imported image is then made to look wider, or narrower than reality,
depending on which of the standard body image assessment protocols is adopted.
Once the images are imported and the various options selected the client is presented
with their distorted on-screen image. The client is asked to adjust the on-screen
image to conform to:
- how he or she feels or thinks they really looks; and
- how they would like to look.
The software then calculates the discrepancies between the varying images. Scores
are presented using the body perception index (BPI). Test feedback is also given
visually by means of presenting the 3 images in parallel (true, estimated, desired).
The software is in use world wide and has been adopted by numerous accademic and
clinical institutions including:
- Cardinal Clinic Windsor, UK
- Max Plank Institute of Psychiatry, Germany
- Ontario General Hospital - Eating Disorders Clinic, Canada
- Oxford University (Department of Psychiatry), UK
- Queen Annes Hospital, Gurnsey Channel Islands
- St Andrews Hospital, UK
- University Of Pittsburgh (School of Medicine), USA
Body image disturbance has long been appreciated as an essential factor in eating
disorders, most notably Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa.
Hilde Bruch (1974) in her seminal writings on the subject considered the correction
of body image disturbance as a precondition to recovery. Similarly several major
researchers have found body image disturbance to be a negative prognostic indicator
for recovery from eating disorders.
Anamorphic Micro quantifiably assesses both body image dissatisfaction and
body image estimation. This information can be helpful in both the assessment and
prognosis of eating disorders.
Anamorphic Micro also presents the client with visual feed-back in terms
of the discrepancies between, how they think they look, how they would like to look,
and how they really look. Such parallel image confrontation is not easily obtainable
via traditional body imaging techniques. This parallel image exposure is typically
insight provoking and can be integrated into an existing CBT based intervention
programme. By extension Anamorphic Micro has similar applicability in the sphere
of body dysmorphic disorders particularly those in which body size is an issue.
Dr. Patricia Hartley is the founder patron of the Eating Disorders Association and
a distinguished clinician and academic. Dr Hartley has thoroughly reviewed our software
and has written a brief evaluation in the context of eating disorders.
Watch a video
about Anamorphic Micro