The psychodermatological role of cosmetic dermatologists and beauticians in addressing charismaphobia and related mental disorders.

Abstract

Psychodermatology is an emerging field that relates cosmetic dermatology with several mental abnormalities associated with appearance and attraction. Being a latest field, psychodermatology lacks research in several fundamental aspects. The current study intended to analyze the prevalent role of cosmetic dermatologists and beauticians in handling the psychological issues of their clients, and to educate them on the relevant mental conditions associated with cosmetic dermatology, beauty, and attraction. The first aspect of the study involved interviewing cosmetic dermatologists (n=30) and beauticians (n=73) to analyze their psychodermatological role with their clients. The second aspect of the study intended to educate cosmetic dermatologists and beauticians on the relevant psychopathology which would possibly be present among their clients. The findings revealed that the cosmetic dermatologists and beauticians were aware of several psychopathological issues of their clients. However, they were unable to identify and label the appropriate clinical diagnoses in this regard. Their clients did possess tendencies toward social anxiety disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, charismaphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, histrionic personality disorder, gerascophobia, and narcissistic personality disorder. The study also confirmed a significant rise in their clientele due to the psychopathological issues faced by their clients. The study also found cosmetic dermatologists and beauticians involved in providing psychological counseling to their clients while being untrained. The current paper is a valuable contribution to the under-researched field of psychodermatology. It analyzed the existing psychodermatological role of cosmetic dermatologists and beauticians and facilitated them to practice in a more educated way.