Epidermolysis bullosa

Some indications that might suggest possible psychological issues in a person with EB include : 

• Loss or diminution of self-confidence. Distortion of their corporal image and/or depression. This can be manifested as a rejection towards themselves or others, looking to hide or feeling guilty for the weight caused in the people around them, focusing on negative thoughts and expectations, etc. 

• Decreased Ability to Confront Challenges: Individuals may struggle to handle difficult or threatening situations, anticipating complications and feeling unable to respond. This can generate anxiety and limit their problem-solving abilities, resulting in inactivity. In such cases, family and social support are essential. - 

• Depressive moods even in early stages, which can manifest as sadness, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, decreasing of energy, social distancing, low adherence to recommended treatments, etc. 

• Impaired Self-Control: Many individuals struggle with controlling the urge to scratch due to itchiness, which carries significant psychological weight. This creates a cycle where they fight against the urge but often find themselves unable to resist. Punishment from adults can lead to further frustration and suffering for children, who may not initially understand the negative consequences of scratching or the reasons behind their inability to resist the short-term relief it provides. Even when they recognize that scratching is harmful, they may still find it difficult to stop. 

• Loss of night rest in the individual and the family. Many times, it can be related to the itchiness and other times it can be due to intense fears (which might even cause nightmares and night terrors). This, at the same time, can affect in a lower participation in social, scholar and work life. 

• Anticipatory anxiety of pain or possible injuries, may alter their relationships with others or limit social activities. Particularly in children, bath and treatment times can become challenging moments filled with conflict between them and their parents or caregivers.