Prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) is a rare neurological disorder that distorts facial perception, causing individuals to see demonic-like faces. It has been reported in fewer than 100 cases and is often misdiagnosed as schizophrenia. The condition stems from dysfunction in the brain’s facial processing network and can be triggered by head trauma, stroke, epilepsy, or migraines. A study in The Lancet involved a patient experiencing PMO, whose visual distortion was not accompanied by delusional beliefs. Many cases are misdiagnosed, leading to inappropriate treatment. One patient copes with the condition using green-tinted lenses. Increasing awareness of PMO can prevent unnecessary institutionalization and medication.
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