Psychological and Physical Problems that Influence an Individual’s Behaviour when Suffering from a Skin Disorder and Coping with Negative Emotions

Abstract

To increase awareness of psychological effects of skin disorders. There is an underlying problem that not even the sufferers are aware about. It is the change in behaviour of a person who suffers from a skin disorder. It is the psychological problems that cause disruption in relationships and the disability to cope with situations. “Brendon” suffers from an untreatable skin disorder that makes him self-conscious. It influences his life completely. This can develop into mood disorders that varies from a friendly and cheerful mood, to an irritated and frustrated feeling. All this happen in a single day. This is due to the symptoms that differ from incessant itching to excruciating pain. Sufferers struggle with psychological problems, which sometimes unable them to cope with the symptoms of the disorder. The skin that is supposed to protect the human body, now becomes a struggle for the sufferer when the symptoms dominates the behaviour of a person. This study is motivated on account of sufferers experiences regarding a chronic skin disorder, and how this problem affects their usual day to day living. Administering therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and other psychological interventions, like the relative new discipline psychodermatology that diagnose, treat and manage anxiety, low self-esteem to just named a few of them, these therapies could address most of the psychological issues these sufferers experience.