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CNS Drugs
Published in: CNS Drugs 4/2019

01-04-2019 | Therapy in Practice

Skin-Picking Disorder: A Guide to Diagnosis and Management

Authors: Mohammad Jafferany, Arsh Patel

Published in: CNS Drugs | Issue 4/2019

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Abstract

Skin-picking disorder, also known as excoriation disorder or psychogenic skin excoriations, is an obsessive–compulsive and related disorder that is classified with other body-focused repetitive-behavior disorders in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Skin-picking disorder is associated with significant comorbidity and psychosocial dysfunction. The disorder has a female predominance across studies, and the average age of onset is variable but commonly in adolescence and adulthood. A full clinical and dermatologic examination and multidisciplinary approach is important in the diagnosis of this condition. There is no specific or recommended treatment option, but cognitive–behavioral therapy, particularly habit-reversal therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy have shown promise. Various pharmacological interventions have also been described to treat this condition in case reports and open and controlled trials. Specific classes of agents implemented include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics, and glutaminergic-modulating agents. SSRIs and N-acetylcysteine have been shown to be the most effective of the pharmacological interventions.
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Metadata
Title
Skin-Picking Disorder: A Guide to Diagnosis and Management
Authors
Mohammad Jafferany
Arsh Patel
Publication date
01-04-2019
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
CNS Drugs / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 1172-7047
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1934
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-019-00621-7

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