Avatar Posted by revterri 120 days ago (Question)
I have suffered from depression and anxiety for many years, since high school. Lately, I have been having panic attacks, developed a fear of birds, infrequent hallucinations, and blurry vision. I have been diagnosed as having bipolar disorder, and once upon a time as having borderline personality disorder.

I also have a very embarrasing problem. Since I was a child, I have picked at scabs. Consequently, I have unsightly scars on my arms and legs. My mother did it. One of my children does it. But what I am most embarrased about is that I cannot stop it. I have progressed to actually tearing my skin and as much as I don't want to do it, I cannot help it.

Is this an obsessive disorder? I really feel that I need professional guidance to help me stop this behavior.



Answers

Written by Edahn 119 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I'm not a big fan of diagnosis because it really doesn't matter what we CALL your problem. It will still be the same problem and will still respond to the same solutions.

In this case, it sounds like you've developed an addictive habit. Picking at your scab probably gives you a certain feeling of calmness or relief. All animals, humans included, like to groom themselves. It sounds like you just need an adjustment in your self-grooming habits.

What you can do is look at the feeling that comes up right when you start to pick at yourself. Do you feel calm or agitated? Restful or anxious? Attentive or zoned out? Make a note of it as soon as you start to get the urge to pick at yourself. If you find you are not calm, restful, and attentive, then find a way to approach that feeling without picking at yourself. Perhaps just waiting it out is enough.

The other thing you have to do is JUST QUIT. Like any addictive behavior, there is no easy way around this. You never meet anyone who says that quitting smoking or overeating or drug use was incredibly easy. It requires self-discipline and there's no easy way to get it. YOU JUST STOP. There is no trick.

If you feel you need more help, go and seek a psychologist who treats dermatillomania. Any psychologist who has experience treating anxiety would probably be qualified. You can also buy some books on the topic or find some websites. If you scroll down to "External Links," you will find some sites that I think might help you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatillomania#External_links.

Good luck,

Edahn

Written by Clyde 116 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Skin picking is a way to relieve stress.

If, you can do like Edahn said, and just quit, that would be awesome, but that is not always plausible either.

Your anxiety is basically making you pick yourself to calm yourself down (?).

Best,

Clyde


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