By : Bhavya Malhotra
1. Introduction
● Dermatillomania, categorized under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the DSM-5, affects approximately 1.4%–5.4% of the population, with adolescents being particularly vulnerable (Grant et al., 2020). Often dismissed as a "bad habit," this condition profoundly impacts mental health, self-esteem, and social functioning. This paper delves into its causes, symptoms, and effects on teenagers, while also addressing coping mechanisms and treatment options to foster awareness and support.
2. Causes
1. Biological Factors
● Research suggests dermatillomania is associated with abnormalities in brain regions governing impulse control, such as the prefrontal cortex. Genetic predisposition may also play a role (Flessner et al., 2009).
2. Psychological Factors
● Low self-esteem, perfectionism, and underlying mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are common contributors. Teens often resort to skin-picking as a means of emotional regulation (Roberts et al., 2017).
3. Environmental Triggers
● Stressful life events, peer pressure, and academic demands can exacerbate skin-picking behaviors, particularly in adolescents.
3. Symptoms
● Dermatillomania is characterized by recurrent picking at healthy or damaged skin, often resulting in sores, scarring, and infections. Common symptoms include:
● Persistent inability to resist the urge to pick (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). ● Feelings of tension before picking and relief afterward.
● Significant skin damage affecting physical appearance and health.
4. Effects on Teenagers' Mental Health and Self-Esteem
1. Mental Health
● The visible consequences of skin-picking often lead to social withdrawal, anxiety, and depression (Grant et al., 2020). Feelings of guilt and shame further exacerbate psychological distress.
2. Self-Esteem
● Constant focus on perceived imperfections can lower self-worth, especially in an age group heavily influenced by societal beauty standards.
5. Role of Stress and Anxiety as Triggers
● Stress and anxiety are primary triggers for dermatillomania. Adolescents may experience heightened skin-picking behaviors during periods of emotional distress, such as examinations, conflicts, or social rejections (Roberts et al., 2017). The cyclical nature of stress and skin-picking creates a feedback loop, perpetuating the disorder.
6. Coping Strategies
1. Behavioral Techniques
● Keeping hands occupied
with fidget toys or stress balls.
● Using physical barriers like gloves or bandages to limit access to the skin.
2. Emotional Coping
● Journaling or practicing mindfulness to identify and manage triggers.
● Building self-compassion through positive affirmations.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
● Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and balanced diet to reduce stress. ● Engaging in regular physical activity to improve mental well-being.
7. Treatment Options
● Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are effective components of CBT that help individuals recognize and alter maladaptive behaviors (Flessner et al., 2009).
● Medication
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) may alleviate symptoms, especially in cases with co-occurring anxiety or depression.
● Support Groups
Peer-led support groups foster a sense of community and shared understanding, helping teens combat isolation.
8. Raising Awareness
● Stigma and misinformation surrounding dermatillomania often hinder early diagnosis and treatment. Awareness campaigns in schools, social media platforms, and healthcare settings can normalize conversations about this condition, promoting acceptance and timely intervention.
☆ References
● American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org
● Flessner, C. A., Woods, D. W., Franklin, M. E., Keuthen, N. J., & Piacentini, J. C. (2009). Habit reversal training and acceptance-enhanced behavior therapy for trichotillomania: A randomized controlled trial. Behavior Therapy, 40(4), 305–314. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2008.10.006
● Grant, J. E., Odlaug, B. L., & Chamberlain, S. R. (2020). Skin picking disorder. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 177(4), 348–358. Retrieved from
● Roberts, S., O’Connor, K., & Bélanger, C. (2017). Emotion regulation and other psychological models for body-focused repetitive behaviors. Clinical Psychology Review, 58, 43–56. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2017.09.003
Comments