Prosopometamorphopsia is a visual distortion disorder characterized by the perception of faces as distorted, warped, or altered in some way. People with this condition may experience various types of distortions when looking at faces, including changes in facial features, proportions, or overall appearance.
Individuals with prosopometamorphopsia experience distortions in the appearance of faces. This can include features appearing stretched, warped, or misshapen.
Faces may appear differently each time they are viewed, leading to inconsistent recognition or identification of individuals.
People with prosopometamorphopsia may struggle to recognize familiar faces, including friends, family members, or even their own reflection.
Faces might appear flat or expressionless, resembling a mask rather than conveying natural emotions or features.
Perception of facial proportions may be skewed, with certain features appearing disproportionately large or small compared to their actual size.
Apart from facial features, the entire face may appear distorted or elongated, affecting overall facial symmetry and appearance.
Prosopometamorphopsia can lead to emotional distress, frustration, or anxiety, particularly in social situations where recognizing faces is essential for communication and interaction.
Viewing distorted faces may cause discomfort or unease, as the brain struggles to reconcile the distorted perception with the actual appearance of faces.
Misinterpretation of facial expressions or emotions is common due to the distorted perception, leading to misunderstandings in social interactions.
Difficulty in recognizing faces and interpreting facial cues can impair social functioning, affecting relationships, work, and daily activities.