How Are Advances in Treatment Transforming Excoriation Disorder?

Excoriation disorder has recently been recognized in the DSM as a distinct entity in psychiatric classification. According to the review’s conclusions, researchers have now published a number of randomized controlled studies on excoriation disorder. Current treatment management options that professionals have thoroughly explored include behavioral therapy and the use of appropriate medication.

Historical Context

Even though medical literature has identified pathological skin plucking since the early 19th century, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has only recently recognized it as a distinct entity in psychiatric classification.

Characteristics of Skin Picking Disorder

Skin picking disorder is recognized in DSM-5, and individuals who receive the diagnosis of excoriation exhibit certain specific characteristics. Specifically, this includes the below-mentioned criteria: The individual displays recurrent skin picking that might result in skin lesions.

Skin picking interferes with everyday activities and causes clinically significant distress and/or significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of an individual’s functioning. Furthermore, the individual typically makes repeated attempts to reduce or stop skin picking, and no physiological effects of a substance or any medical condition better explain this behavior.

Current Treatment Insights

In this systematic review, psychologists aimed to provide readers with an up-to-date perspective on the available treatments for excoriation disorder. This review highlights the importance of understanding this condition, especially as it has recently gained recognition within the psychiatric community.

To achieve this, the researchers conducted a comprehensive MEDLINE search of the excoriation disorder treatment literature. Specifically, they focused on collating relevant articles written and published between 1996 and 2017, ensuring a thorough exploration of the topic.

Emerging Research and Treatment Management Options

The results of this review indicate that researchers have recently published several randomized controlled studies on excoriation disorder. This growing body of research underscores the increasing interest and understanding of the condition within the medical community.

Among the current management options thoroughly explored are behavioral therapy and the use of appropriate medication. Additionally, these treatment strategies aim to address the challenges faced by individuals with excoriation disorder and provide effective support for their recovery.