Researchers Uncover Visual Condition Mistaken for Schizophrenia That Can Make Faces Appear 'Demonic'

Quincy Jon, Tech Times 22 March 2024, 02:03 pm

A new study reveals that certain schizophrenia patients may actually have prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), a rare visual disease that distorts facial features and makes them look hideous or "demonic."

Studies have shown that people with PMO often find it upsetting to look at other people's faces, and some of them report feeling these distortions for long periods.

The study's senior author, Professor Brad Duchaine of Dartmouth University, described cases where individuals with PMO received an incorrect diagnosis of schizophrenia and anti-psychotic medication, according to US News & World Report. Duchaine and his colleagues created a case study with lifelike illustrations of the facial deformities that a particular patient had to help with the comprehension of PMO.

Twisted, Evil Faces

One such instance included a 58-year-old guy with PMO who claimed to have normal facial perception while looking at paper or screen faces. But when he saw them in person, he said they seemed twisted and evil. Antonio Mello, the primary research author, highlighted the difficulties people with PMO have while attempting to evaluate visual aids since visualizations inherently include distortions.

To enhance awareness and comprehension of PMO, the Lancet Journal released images of face deformities. Even though PMO is uncommon, it may have a substantial negative influence on a person's quality of life and often results in emotional and social difficulties.

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How PMO Impacts Patients' Lives

In contrast to the "face blindness" condition that well-known people like Brad Pitt and John Hickenlooper have suffered, prosopometamorphopsia poses a unique issue, as per a CNN report. Face blindness hinders face recognition, but PMO distorts known faces in predictable ways, ensuring their recognition.

Even with visible distortions like stretched features, enlarged eyes, or pointed ears, people with PMO may have little trouble recognizing loved ones or well-known faces. While similar across people, these distortions might vary in degree and presentation depending on face anatomy and movement.

PMO may sometimes even alter an individual's perspective of their own face, causing them to experience distortion or injury. For instance, an April 2023 study of the literature included cases where patients observed disturbing deformities in the mirror, such as one eye appearing to separate and slide down the face.

According to Science News, since 1904, less than 100 instances of PMO have been documented. The condition appears as a variety of facial deformities some patients may notice changes in the location or size of features, while some see as if their features are too stretched. Researchers believe that anomalies in the brain areas involved in processing faces or their connections may have a role in the development of PMO.

The purpose of the research is to increase physician knowledge of this often misdiagnosed illness. The exact origins and processes of PMO are unknown; however, some instances are related to neurological disorders that may be treated, such as strokes or seizures. Increased understanding may lead to better therapies and shed light on more areas of face processing.