Dermatillomania

Dermatillomania is a disabling disorder characterized by repetitive picking of the skin that causes tissue damage and significant emotional distress as well as functional impairment. It has been estimated that approximately 5 % of the general population is affected. Noth-withstanding its prevalence the disorder is not known to many clinicians and researchers. Dermatillomania is currently listed as an impulse control disorder not otherwise specified. The disorder is more common in females than in males. The onset usually occurs in late childhood or early adolescence, a second peak of onset is between the ages of 30 and 45 years. Very often it takes a chronic course with varying degrees of severity. Different psychological, biological and environmental factors have been discussed as etiological risk factors, but further research is needed. Cognitive-behavioral and pharmacotherapeutic interventions have demonstrated promise in treating this disorder.