RE:RE: Compulsive scab picking

[JS]

I saw the questions to compulsive scab picking and had to respond because I've been searching the net and this is the first mention of it I could find.  I'm 34 and have had this problem since early teen years.  I usually pick at my skin and scabs in places that don't show or can be hidden w/ clothing: legs, upper arms, but will also pick at exposed areas as well.  It is embarassing and I want to and have tried to stop for years, but just can't do it.  I will pick at cuts and scrapes and make them worse or if I don't have a cut or scrape I will pick at blemishes and cause a scab to form.  I'm generally able to stay away from picking at my face.  Like R.S., I otherwise function fine in life, I'm married w/ a child, and have a job.  My wife has likewise been non-judgemental. I'd llike to say understanding, but to be honest, I don't understand my compulsion myself.  I do not consider myself as OCD, but can see some aspects of it in this.   My question is: WHAT CAUSES THIS AND HOW CAN I STOP?

[dw]

I am 29yr old female.  I have this seemingly uncontrollable urge to pick at scabs as well.  Pick and pick. In a transe-like state.
It is comforting.  Even if it is painful.  Ever since childhood.  I am currently on Paxil for depression but, as of late, my depression is worse and so is my scab picking.  I stumbled upon this forum by doing a net search on this very subject.  I have seen psychiatrists in the past but I have never mentioned this out of sheer embarrassment.  I also suck my thumb. I conceal both of these.  Why these childhood afflictions have followed me into adulthood I do not know.  Compulsive Disorders.  Are their any other medications other than paxil?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear JS,

This particular symptom can be, but is not necessarily, a symptom of OCD. Whatever the case, you experience an impulse that you have had chronic difficulty controlling. As you can see, you're not entirely incapable of controlling it - you are able to refrain from picking at parts of your body (e.g., your face) which are visible most of the time.

With most such problems, there is some involvement with brain chemicals, namely the neurotransmitters which help electrical impulses move among neurons.

It would be a good idea to obtain a consultation with a psychiatrist, who may prescribe, as part of treatment, one of a 'family' of antidepressant medications called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. These medications influence the availability of serotonin, one of several types of neurotransmitters.

[stillpicking]

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[azmom571]

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[itchy_scratchy333]

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[kellyjoe]

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