What is Acne Dysmorphia and How to Deal With It

Posted on August 27, 2007 in Latest News

Like Acne, Acne Dysmorphia is not a physical condition. But it is a psychological disorder caused by acne. One suffering from this problem constantly worry or be preoccupied with some perceived disfigurement due to acne. The sufferer always feels ugly or disgusted. He or she will be obsessed about his/her figure and keeps checking in the mirror for flaws on the face.

The people suffering from this disorder pick at their blemishes and sometimes even tear away skin until they bleed. Also, some sufferers get into depression and isolate themselves. They avoid people, and this damages their social life and personal life too.

How to treat Acne Dysmorphia?

The first fact one needs to understand is Acne Dysmorphia is not due to the acne, but it is a mental disorder. Timely medical intervention is important for the sufferers. Otherwise this condition may also lead to suicide.

It can be treated successfully with serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This disorder can also be effectively treated with Hypnosis and behavioral therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works well in treating this problem.

The psychologist may treat the patient in individual or group sessions. Group sessions work better than individual sessions as the patient gets the necessary support and guidance from others facing the same problem. However, the group sessions may not suit everyone and depending on the patient’s conditions the psychiatrist decides which one to go for, individual or group. The treatment can be augmented with antidepressants or other medications.

Final note

The treatments are focused on one aspect – removing the negative thoughts in the sufferer and replacing them with positive thoughts. This helps the sufferer develop a positive outlook towards like and achieve the self-esteem.

If any of your loved ones is suffering from this disorder, don’t neglect making the person treated properly. Otherwise they may end up harming themselves.

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