title: The symptomatology of abnormal appearance: an anecdotal survey.
abstract: From a systematic analysis of 54 anecdotal accounts written by patients with various abnormalities of appearance, a common pattern of experience has been discovered which is divisible into six parts: induction and development of self-consciousness, defence mechanisms, unavoidable distressing activities, downgrading of self-concept, difficulties with interpersonal relationships, and rationalisation. This scheme of symptomatology is presented as a basis for history-taking and as a base-line for future comparative studies of different types of abnormal appearance.
mesh_terms: D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000523:psychology*; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D013518:Surgery, Plastic