Back to list of Related Disorders.
Go to the next Related Disorder.- These are disorders that include Nail Biting and Skin Picking.
- Disorders that are found regularly amongst people that have OCD.
More about Compulsive Skin Picking./CSP. & Nail Biting.
What CPS and Nail Biting are and how they relate to OCD.
- Skin Picking is also called Pathological Skin Picking or Dermatillomania.
- These disorders cause true distress. With Nail Biting will you see how nails will be bitten at continuously resulting in bleeding and sore fingers, at times even infected.
Those that pick their skin, will have mostly their faces but also bodies, covered with sores and scabs. The most insignificant flaw in the skin such as a pimple or blemish will be opened, picked at or squeezed, this by the use of their fingers or things such as tweezers, needles and so on. - The visual results of their behavior cause much shame and will make them cover up their hands and face, this embarrassment will go to the point of staying indoors to prevent being seen when they look at their worst.
- The actions are either done automatically or to fulfill some need. These actions, in despite of what the results may be, do procure some satisfaction or relaxation.
- The best treatment is Behavioral Therapy combined with medication which are the same anti- depressants ( SSRI's.) used for treating OCD and Trich.
- Often Trich, CSP and Nail Biting co- exist.
- When both disorders are found independently they do not seem to have any touching grounds.
Meaning that not all who have OCD are feeling sad or without pleasure and those who are depressed don't often seem to have the intrusive thoughts or rituals seen with OCD.
| Useful links concerning Compulsive Skin Picking & Nail Biting.: |
- COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING.
- Skin Picking.:The story of a sufferer.
- AboutFace.
- SKIN PICKING AND NAIL BITING: RELATED HABITS by Frederick Penzel, Ph.D."Although this newsletter has always been limited to discussing matters related to trich, I would like to introduce a slightly different but related topic. It may come as no surprise that there are other types of problem behaviors quite similar to trich in a number of ways. I am referring specifically to compulsive skin picking and nail biting (also known as onychophagia). These may not sound serious, but neither does hair pulling to some people. Since I have met quite a number of people who have one of these problems in addition to trich, I now routinely screen for them."
