Re: Compulsive Scab Picking

Posted By a href=mailto:***@****/a on August 13, 1999 at 11:29:05PIs there a name / known drug to stopbrcompulsive scab pickingbronly on the scalpbrthat has continued for years???brCan you also respond privately?PPHR WIDTH=75% SIZE=4 COLOR=#000090

[HVM Ph.D. - KDK]

Posted By HVMA Ph.D. - KDK on August 14, 1999 at 08:25:13PDear Heatherly,pSome compulsive behaviors tend to diminish when treated with a class of medications called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's). Beyond this, I can't offer you much information because any decision about medication must be made in the context of a full understanding of the patient's condition and functioning.PPHR WIDTH=75% SIZE=4 COLOR=#000090

[anonymous-user__0]

Posted By a href=mailto:***@****/a on August 17, 1999 at 08:40:29PBut, is there a known name for this particular compulsive behavior - picking scabs only on the scalp? Would it be tric... or something else?brPPHR WIDTH=75% SIZE=4 COLOR=#000090

[Heatherly__0]

Posted By Heatherly on August 19, 1999 at 09:41:56

So, compulsive scab picking would be just an
"impulse control disorder", not trichotillomania?

[HVM Ph.D. - KDK]

Posted By HVMA Ph.D. - KDK on August 20, 1999 at 08:29:58
Dear Heatherly,
Perhaps you're focusing too much on a label for the symptom of recurrent, repetitive picking at scabs. Trichotillomania is compulsive hair pulling, and it is classified as an impulse control problem. I included this information because you seemed to be referring to it in one of your notes. It is probably not what is occurring with the situation to which you are referring, but there's not sufficient information to reach any conclusion. If you wish to send along more details perhaps I can offer you a more helpful reply. Dr. KDK

[RS__0]

Posted By R.S. on September 02, 1999 at 11:51:12
I can't believe I'm actually writing this, but was totally amazed to see the "freaky" habit I've been suffering from for 18 years actually in print. I too have an uncontrollable compulsion to pick scabs or bumps on my body.  It is sooo embarrassing & disgusting I can't understand why I don't stop.  I have told no one, except my husband, who has been pleading with me to get help.It has become part of my daily routine & actually wasting much of my time.  I find myself standing in front of a mirror for 30 minutes or more! I have no idea why I do this....except it seems to be almost hypnotic. This is the only compulsive thing I do & outside of that, I lead a very successful, normal life. I have become a "master" in the art of makeup & cover up the "damage" I consistently do to myself very well.  I am an intelligent,attractive, 31 year old wife and mother who up until now thought I was the only one in the world with this hideous habit... I know I should go see someone, but am much to embarrassed to talk about it. Actually, other than my husband, I don't think I've ever admitted my problem to anyone else before.  Help!!  Is this a fairly common disorder??  Why can't I just will myself to stop?? My husband, who I must say has been unbelievably supportive about this, keeps telling me I have to "want to stop bad enough" and eventually I will.  But I DO WANT TO and for some reason just can't.  It doesn't make sense!!    










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