Acne And The Psychodermatologic Disorder

The psychological effects of acne can be very damaging to certain individuals. It would seem logical to think that these effects would be closely related to the intensity of the acne outbreak but such is not the case. Many individuals who only had a mild case of acne still need psychological treatment. Experts have come to the conclusion that psychological impact of acne is very dependent on a person's overall psychological stability or if you will his view of his self-image.Teenagers are more likely to have acne outbreak but adults are not immune to this disease.

A new condition or if you prefer disorder was identified: the Psychodermatologic disorder. It is a disorder that concerns itself with the mind/skin relationship. Really we are talking the mind/body rapport.

There are 3 categories to this disorder. Number 1: Psychophysiologic disorders, Number 2: Primary psychiatric disorders and Number 3: Secondary psychiatric disorders

We will be concerned with Number 1 the Psychophysiologic Disorders. This is the category where acne is identified. What we are seeing is a skin problem that is not directly link to the mind but that does react to emotional stimulus such as stress. There is some consensus in the medical field that this condition can be treated with anxiety-decreasing therapy or in the most acute cases with the use of psychotropic medications.

The teenage years are the years where individuals develop their self-image, where they learn personal skills and where they create an identification of who they are. Peer and group pressure are at its peak. The need to be accepted in the group exercises immense stress on the individual's psyche. We all know how cruel and unforgiving people can be. The least physical difference is taken to new heights. The sexual attraction is developing in these individuals and their physical appearance is of the outmost importance. From their perspective, acne is ruining their life. The need to be accepted by their peer group is extremely important for teenagers.

Today there is a more open dialogue between doctors and patients. The true consequences of acne are just starting to emerge. Clients report a low self-image and a distorted view of their physical appearance. People with acne often walk staring at the floor to avoid any personal contact. They are embarrassed by their condition and try to hide it using different ways such as heavy make-up for the girls or long hair to hide the face. The need to hide what they perceive as a defect of their body leaves scars in their psyche.

Often people with acne will not want to participate in sports where they would feel vulnerable because they would expose their face or their upper body if this is where they have acne. Gym classes and swimming become a problem. The look they get from their peer group is so strongly felt that some of them fake an injury to avoid going to gym class. Some teenagers refuse to go to school and some never go back. Acne in some severe cases can create a great deal of chaos in one's life. The psychological effects for some in such that they become reclusive and unproductive. Poorly prepared for a career, shy, reclusive and feeling alone, they are often in later years find themselves alone, unemployed and financially destitute.

In adult acne some people refuse to go to their job, they call in sick when they have an acne outbreak. It takes a long time to establish a social position among your peers and these people feel they could lose it all in one acne outbreak. They isolate themselves and wait it out.

Generally social interaction is very difficult for people with acne not only because of their self-image but also because of the way the rest of society deals with people with acne.

Depression is a common consequence of acne. This distress must be recognized and taken under control to avoid permanent damage to one's psyche. The way a teenager sees himself in his formative years will without a doubt be reflected in his behaviors for the rest of his life unless strong and positive re-enforcements come into play.

There is help for those who seek it but low self-image and the sense of worthlessness often does not permit an individual to get the help. For teenagers, it is up to the parents to recognize the problem and act on it in a loving and caring manner knowing ahead of time that the person will resist their help.