13 - Under the Skin: a Review on Excoriation Disorder
Year: 2019
Type: other
Abstract: Objectives: Our purpose is to review the literature on Excoriation Disorder.Background: Excoriation Disorder (ED) is characterized by recurrent picking of skin, leading to dermatological problems and significant distress or functional impairment. Although epidemiological data suggest it is a common disorder (affecting 1.4% to 5.4% of the population), only recently has it gained international recognition as a distinct clinical entity, with categorization in both the DSM-5 and ICD-11 as an obsessive-compulsive related disorder (OCRD). Materials and methods: A research was performed on PubMedu00ae using the terms u201cexcoriation disorderu201d, u201cskin-picking disorderu201d, u201cpathological skin-pickingu201d and u201cdermatillomaniau201d; the resulting articles were subsequently reviewed and summarized.Results and Conclusions: A growing body of literature has focused on the subject of ED over the last years. Research results suggest it constitutes a common health problem, particularly among female adolescents and young adults. It generally involves picking of minor skin irregularities, but healthy skin can also be a target, occurring in several body areas (most frequently the face). Skin-picking behaviours can be triggered by numerous factors, including intense emotions (e.g. anxiety), sedentary activities and tiredness. This behaviour is immensely time-consuming to the patient, and is often associated with significant psychosocial impairment, secondary dermatological problems (e.g. infections, scarring, disfigurement) and comorbidity with other OCRDs, as well as mood and anxiety disorders. There is a lack of data with regard to treatment, with some authors suggesting behavioural therapy, SSRIs or N-acetil cysteine as possible options in this context. Further research is needed to establish more clearly the defining characteristics of this condition, as well as efficient treatment interventions.
Authors: Ana Samouco, Margarida Araújo, Filipa Caetano, Beatriz Martins, Daniela Lascasas, Afonso Homem de Matos
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4246974715