Acne Dysmorphia - What You Should Know About This Painful Condition

What is Acne Dysmorphia?  It is not a physical condition caused by acne. Instead, it is a psychological disorder that can cause great mental anguish.  It presents itself as a total preoccupation with some disfigurement (or perceived disfigurement), in this case acne.  It makes the sufferer feel ugly or disgusting. The sufferer is always checking the mirror monitoring their condition and obsessively check for flaws. 

Most people have acne outbreaks during their lifetime.  It's the most common skin disorder.  While acne lesions can be treated medically, Acne Dysmorphia is a symptom that cannot be treated with medications that treat acne.  Acne Dysmorphia actually has little to do with acne at all.  It's a very different illness that is related to anorexia nervosa.  Weight is the trigger for anorexia nervosa, while acne is the trigger for Acne Dysmorphia. 

With this disease, a person is obsessed with the appearance of their skin.  It isn't unusual for someone suffering from Acne Dysmorphia to check mirrors hundreds of times a day to look for blemishes.  What may be a mild case of acne can be perceived by the sufferer as total disfigurement. It can cause them to pick at their blemishes and tear away skin until they bleed.

It is difficult for the person to confide in another person about this obsession.  Just as for those suffering from anorexia, they deny that they have a problem to everyone, including themselves.  Depression is commonly associated with acne Dysmorphia.  It can cause patients to isolate themselves, avoiding people, and ruining their social life.  If left untreated, it could cause the patient to harm him or herself.

So, what is the treatment for Acne Dysmorphia?  It's important to recognize that the Dysmorphia is not due to the acne itself, but a mental disorder that can become debilitating.  Medical intervention is necessary because depression caused by this condition can lead to suicide.  Treatment must start with the mental aspects first.

Acne Dysmorphia has been treated successfully with serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Hypnosis  and behavioral therapy have also been effective in treating this illness. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment for many depression related disorders.

A psychologist or psychiatrist and will help patients deal with their problem individually or in a group setting.   Individual therapy with a trusted professional can produce very favorable results. Also, group therapy sessions with others in the same situation can be very beneficial. The patient meets and can speak freely with others who suffer from the same disorder. Behavioral therapy might be augmented with antidepressants or other medications that will work synergistically with therapy. 

It's important to realize that patients must be given treatment that suits them best.  Group therapy may not be appropriate for someone who is excessively shy. But it could be excellent for someone who is normally outgoing and willing to discuss his or her problem.  Often, simply sharing and realizing that someone else has had the same experience will help to overcome the problem. Learning to have a positive outlook and achieving better self-esteem can be a huge help in treating this type of mental illness.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help the patient reverse the negative thought patterns that can disrupt their life.  This therapy can help to reframe negative thoughts into positive affirmations of self worth.  It is so important to replace these negative thought patterns with positive reinforcements.  This may take some time and will certainly require commitment but is very effective.

If you feel you or a loved one is suffering from Acne Dysmorphia, get them to see a qualified professional.  Ignoring the problem is not an option and could result in the person harming him or herself.