Television shows like Monk and Obsessed have really brought attention to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).Both shows portray the abnormal behaviors of people who suffer from OCD. Before these shows were televised, many people may have known little to nothing about OCD. Likewise, many people do not know about other forms of OCD. For example, compulsive skin picking is a form of obsessive compulsive disorder that many people do not even know exists. Most of us know someone who bites or picks at their nails; however, there are individuals who have a condition called Dermatillomania. With this condition, the picker will continually pluck at skin, causing bleeding and scarring.
Areas Targeted
While many experts say that the face is the most targeted area for compulsive skin pickers, sufferers tend to also mutilate themselves on the hands, the feet, and other places on the body. Compulsive skin pickers will pick at scars and scabs, not allowing the wounds to heal. Most skin pickers don’t even realize that they have been picking at their skin either. It tends to be both a habit as well as a mechanism to control emotions. Experts disagree, but the Brain Physics Mental Health Resource reports that this disorder is associated with self mutilation, much like the disorder where an individual will cut himself. Though experts are still unsure about specific genes which cause this disorder, they do think that it is hereditary, as the patterns seem to repeat themselves in generations of families.
Reasons for Picking
The disorder is very complex, so it’s difficult to analyze. Sufferers from this disorder may have low self-esteem, seeing only imperfections to correct when they look in the mirror. Many times, the picker is attempting to make his/her skin smooth or more attractive. Sufferers may also go through the picking motion to relieve stress. Some experts suggest that the individuals are taking advantage of the one area in which they feel they can control. Other sufferers pick because they are bored.
The disorder tends to be very stressful on the sufferer. They may feel shame for the damage they have caused themselves, and they tend to try to hide the wounds. For example, a compulsive skin picker who picks her fingers may wear long sleeves to conceal her hands from view.
Correlations and Treatments
Some compulsive pickers may suffer from various forms of OCD, including trichotillomania, in which individuals pull hair compulsively. This trend lends evidence that the disorders may be a brain dysfunction. Many sufferers of Dermatillomania are prescribed anti-depressants; however, Dr. Fred Penzel never suggests relying on medication alone to deal with skin picking issues. He believes that medication should be used as a tool to facilitate behavioral therapy. In his practice, he relies on Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and Stimulus Control (SC) training.
While public exposure to skin picking disorders may be positive in many aspects, it tends to make OCD look entertaining and zany. In reality, all forms of OCD are severe diseases, and sufferers struggle daily to perform daily routines that many people take for granted.
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