Skin picking disorder

Grant, Jon E., Odlaug, Brian L., Chamberlain, Samuel R., Keuthen, Nancy J., Lochner, Christine and Stein, Dan J. (2012) Skin picking disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 169 (11), 1143-1149. (doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.12040508).

Abstract

Although skin picking has been documented in the medical literature since the 19th century, only now is it receiving serious consideration as a DSM psychiatric disorder in discussions for DSM-5. Recent community prevalence studies suggest that skin picking disorder appears to be as common as many other psychiatric disorders, with reported prevalences ranging from 1.4% to 5.4%. Clinical evaluation of patients with skin picking disorder entails a broad physical and psychiatric examination, encouraging an interdisciplinary approach to evaluation and treatment. Approaches to treatment should include cognitive-behavioral therapy (including habit reversal or acceptance-enhanced behavior therapy) and medication (serotonin reuptake inhibitors, N-acetylcysteine, or naltrexone). Based on clinical experience and research findings, the authors recommend several management approaches to skin picking disorder.

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Contributors

Author: Samuel R. Chamberlain

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