Rare disorder causes man to see people's faces as 'demonic'

When Victor Sharrah awoke one morning in November 2020, he was gripped by fear as he perceived faces around him in a "demonic" manner. Their features appeared stretched and distorted, resembling something out of a horror movie. This unsettling experience was caused by an extremely rare neurological disorder known as prosopometamorphopsia (PMO).

His roommate and others appeared as if their features had been contorted, resembling creatures from a horror movie. This condition, affecting fewer than 100 reported cases since 1904, creates an altered perception of faces, making them appear deformed or shifted in various ways.

What makes Mr. Sharrah's case particularly unique is that when he looked at faces on screens like phones or computers, they appeared normal. This contrast in perception allowed researchers to conduct a groundbreaking study, recently published in The Lancet, where they recreated the PMO distortions in pictures based on Mr. Sharrah's descriptions.

PMO's symptoms vary widely, with faces appearing droopy, discolored, or misaligned. Patients may see their own reflection as deformed. The disorder is often misidentified as mental health issues like schizophrenia, yet PMO patients recognize the visual discrepancy rather than believing in a distorted reality.

Many with PMO hesitate to discuss their symptoms due to fears of being misunderstood or labeled with a psychiatric disorder. However, a recent study aims to raise awareness and understanding of PMO, shedding light on its unique challenges and experiences.

The causes of PMO remain unclear, though brain processing issues related to facial recognition are suspected. It can arise from various triggers like strokes, infections, or head trauma. In Sharrah's case, carbon monoxide poisoning and a previous head injury may have contributed to his condition.

Treatment options for PMO are limited, but some patients, including Sharrah, find relief through specific visual adjustments. For instance, Sharrah uses green-tinted glasses that help him perceive faces accurately. This simple solution has significantly improved his ability to interact with others and recognize faces normally.

The research and awareness efforts surrounding PMO aim to provide accurate diagnosis, support, and understanding for affected individuals. By sharing experiences and resources, patients can feel less isolated and more connected within the PMO community, fostering a sense of solidarity and validation.