oh, I've run into one. a very unpleasant and mentally unwell person - I think his motivation was purely sexual, and not identity-driven. he creeped me out.
I personally know two, one who used the dry ice method to destroy their legs, and another who achieved paralysis. both are quite happy now, except for the pain and suffering they went through (particularly the person who paralyzed herself, since she caused meningitis which led to horrid nerve pain - but even then, months later, she's happier now that it's done.)
I have this condition (Body Integrity Dysphoria), along with a fairly intense physical disability that I did not choose (genetic disorder), and along with being trans, so I can answer any questions you'd like to ask.
I became aware of my BID at age 6. I specifically want paralysis, which is ironic now that I'm showing neurological symptoms from the genetic condition. There is a sexual component for me, but it's not my main motivation, and the sexual aspect has reduced as the pure dysphoria intensifies.
The physical dysphoria is fairly similar to the gender dysphoria I've experienced, but the social aspects, identity and tradeoffs are completely different.
I've tried antidepressants, therapy including traditional psychoanalysis, IFS, CBT, ACT, etc. Nothing has put a dent in the dysphoria, only helped me move on despite it. I know two people who've successfully achieved their disability, and they're much happier now. I would if I were not so terrified of the risks of DIY.
I am aware that hypnosis can be used to induce temporary paralysis in targeted body regions. Have you experimented with that and does it offer a temporary reprieve from at least one of your sources of disphoria?
I need to know everything about the neuroscience behind disphoria, and other kinds of somatosensory disorders. Feel free to spam me, or at Gmail if you prefer.
I've done psychedelics before, but never with the idea of treating BID, and I've never noticed changes in my BID from psychedelics. I've been waiting for psychedelic psychotherapy to be legalized so I can make a good effort at it with a therapist.
as for hypnosis and temporary paralysis, that's interesting as well. I've never been hypnotized, but I'd certainly give it a shot. I have induced numbness temporarily by stretching my spinal cord - I have a spinal defect from my genetic disorder, so bending forward yanks where it's snagged. it's extremely painful, though.
I've also never used antipsychotics, though I know they've been tried unsuccessfully in others.
There is a thriving scene of content creators on reddit which create hypnosis content without any oversight. They produce "canned" recordings or scripts to be recorded and share them freely or patreon supported. I wouldn't expect them to work immediately as "building rapport" and "opening up to the idea" are important for the power of suggestions to grow. Getting in touch with people and having sessions over text, voice or video might also be an option if the .mp3 files just do not do the trick or more custom experiences are wanted.
Hypnosis with an hypnotherapist might also be an option, although i am unsure they wouldn't try to treat you into accepting your body as is first. YMMV. You could also try both.
https://old.reddit.com/r/hypnofair and https://old reddit.com/r/erotichypnosis have a lot of NSFW content but are more popular then the SFW https://old.reddit.com/r/recreationalhypnosis because of course it's the internet. Browsing around there are definitely some files which involve immobilisation but they seem to be targeting people into bondage or being drugged. Looking at those tags is a fascinating rabbit hole of what people are into.
I have BID. I've been in therapy for more than a decade. Therapy has not done anything whatsoever for my dysphoria.
I'm convinced that my overall quality of life would improve if I got the disability I desire. The mental anguish is simply more intense than the consequences of physical limitation. I personally know others who have "gone through with it" and they really are happier now.
What kind of therapy do they attempt? Anything that attempts to integrate the physical body w/ the brain's schematic representation? I'm struck by similarities between BID and phantom limb, and wonder if tx incorporates any of the same strategies.
Also, FWIW, I'm sorry for your condition. It sounds hellish.
my case is kind of special, since I also have a progressive genetic disorder that's led to me being disabled. it affects me in some of the ways that I "want", but not as completely as I'd like, and causes other issues I never wanted at all.
I attempted to integrate like you suggest, shifting my BID towards the direction of my newfound disability. mostly using cognitive reframing, acceptance/commitment therapy, and working at the peripheral issues like imposter syndrome, shame, grief.
I feel much less shame now, and I'm able to use BID as a coping mechanism for my physical condition, but the darned dysphoria is still present.
That actually wasn't BID, it was another condition called somatoparaphrenia. They might be linked, but no treatment short of surgery for BID has ever demonstrated efficacy.
I personally know two, one who used the dry ice method to destroy their legs, and another who achieved paralysis. both are quite happy now, except for the pain and suffering they went through (particularly the person who paralyzed herself, since she caused meningitis which led to horrid nerve pain - but even then, months later, she's happier now that it's done.)