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Ricketts EJ, Peris TS, Grant JE, Valle S, Cavic E, Lerner JE, Lochner C, Stein DJ, Dougherty DD, O'Neill J, Woods DW, Keuthen NJ, Piacentini J. Clinical Characteristics of Youth with Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder) and Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:975-986. [PMID: 36315372 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01458-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Body-focused repetitive disorders (BFRBDs) are understudied in youth and understanding of their underlying mechanisms is limited. This study evaluated BFRBD clinical characteristics, and two factors commonly implicated in their maintenance - emotion regulation and impulsivity - in 53 youth aged 11 to 17 years: 33 with BFRBDs and 20 controls. Evaluators administered psychiatric diagnostic interviews. Participants rated BFRBD severity, negative affect, quality of life, family functioning, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and impulsivity. Youth with BFRBDs showed poorer distress tolerance and quality of life, and higher impulsivity and negative affect than controls, with no differences in family impairment. BFRBD distress/impairment, but not BFRBD severity, correlated with anxiety and depression, and poorer distress tolerance. Findings suggest youth with BFRBDs show clinical patterns aligning with prior research; highlight the role of distress tolerance in child BFRBDs; and suggest the utility of acceptance and mindfulness-based therapies for unpleasant emotions in BFRBDs. Continued research should evaluate factors underlying BFRBDs in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Ricketts
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Tara S Peris
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jon E Grant
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stephanie Valle
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth Cavic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Juliette E Lerner
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christine Lochner
- SA MRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- SA MRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Darin D Dougherty
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph O'Neill
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Douglas W Woods
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Nancy J Keuthen
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Piacentini
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Gallinat C, Moessner M, Wilhelm M, Keuthen N, Bauer S. Patterns of Skin Picking in Skin Picking Disorder: Ecological Momentary Assessment Study. Interact J Med Res 2024; 13:e53831. [PMID: 39024568 DOI: 10.2196/53831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin picking disorder (SPD) is an understudied mental illness that is classified as a body-focused repetitive behavior disorder. Literature suggests that pathological skin picking is strongly integrated into the daily lives of affected individuals and may involve a high degree of variability in terms of episode characteristics, frequency, and intensity. However, existing data on the phenomenology of SPD are limited and typically involve retrospective assessments, which may fail to accurately capture the behavior's variability. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate skin picking in the daily lives of individuals with SPD by using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). The first aim focused on the description of skin picking patterns (eg, characteristics, intensity, and distribution of episodes and urges), and the second aim explored differences in characteristics and patterns between automatic and focused skin picking. METHODS Participants were recruited online and underwent a web-based screening, a diagnostic telephone interview, and a comprehensive online self-report questionnaire before participating in an EMA protocol. The latter included 10 consecutive days with 7 pseudorandom, time-contingent assessments per day between 8 AM and 10 PM. The EMA questionnaire assessed the current skin picking urge, the occurrence of the behavior, and a detailed assessment of the episodes' characteristics (eg, length, intensity, and consciousness) if applicable. RESULTS The final sample consisted of 57 participants, who completed at least 70% of the scheduled assessments (n=54, 94.7% female: mean age 29.3, SD 6.77 years). They completed 3758 EMAs and reported 1467 skin picking episodes. Skin picking occurred frequently (mean 2.57, SD 1.12 episodes per day and person) in relatively short episodes (10-30 min; 10 min: nepisodes=642, 43.8%; 20 min: nepisodes=312, 21.3%; 30 min: nepisodes=217, 14.8%), and it was distributed quite evenly throughout the day and across different days of the week. Focused and automatic episodes were relatively balanced across all reported episodes (focused: nepisodes=806, 54.9%) and over the course of the day. The analyses showed statistically significant differences between self-reported triggers for the different styles. Visual or tactile cues and the desire to pick the skin were more important for the focused style (visual or tactile cues: mean focused style [Mf]=4.01, SD 0.69 vs mean automatic style [Ma]=3.47, SD 0.99; P<.001; SMD=0.64; desire to pick: Mf=2.61, SD 1.06 vs Ma=1.94, SD 1.03; P<.001; SMD=0.82), while boredom and concentration problems were more prominent in automatic skin picking (boredom: Mf=1.69, SD 0.89 vs Ma=1.84, SD 0.89; P=.03; SMD=-0.31; concentration problems: Mf=2.06, SD 0.87 vs Ma=2.31, SD 1.06; P=.006; SMD=-0.41). CONCLUSIONS These results contribute to an enhanced understanding of the phenomenology of SPD using a more rigorous assessment methodology. Our findings underscore that picking can impact affected persons multiple times throughout their daily lives. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00025168; https://tinyurl.com/mr35pdwh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gallinat
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Moessner
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Wilhelm
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Mannheim-Heidelberg-Ulm, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nancy Keuthen
- Trichotillomania and Excoriation Disorder Program, Center for OCD and Related Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stephanie Bauer
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Mannheim-Heidelberg-Ulm, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Mandarino MJ, Stummer L, Trueba AF, Vahia I, Freedberg A. Review of Management Considerations for Excoriation Disorder in Older Adults. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 32:879-894. [PMID: 38538517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2024.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Excoriation disorder (ED) is defined as compulsive skin picking that results in skin damage and emotional distress. Optimal management of ED includes individualized treatment plans consisting of psychotherapies, behavioral and pharmacologic interventions. Compared with younger populations, older adults are at increased risk for poor outcomes, such as infection and hospitalization, and require unique management considerations. Risk factors that contribute to disease burden include age-related changes to the skin and underlying medical and psychiatric comorbidities. A literature review was conducted on ED yielding limited evidence exclusive to older adults. The authors suggest a therapeutic approach to ED in older adults based on available evidence and experience from inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. Finally, opportunities for future research are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana F Trueba
- McLean Hospital (MJM, LS, AFT, IV, AF), Belmont, MA; Harvard Medical School (AFT, IV, AF), Boston, MA; Universidad San Francisco de Quito (AFT), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Ipsit Vahia
- McLean Hospital (MJM, LS, AFT, IV, AF), Belmont, MA; Harvard Medical School (AFT, IV, AF), Boston, MA
| | - Alexis Freedberg
- McLean Hospital (MJM, LS, AFT, IV, AF), Belmont, MA; Harvard Medical School (AFT, IV, AF), Boston, MA; ConcertoCare (AF), New York, NY
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Riordan CP, Owusu-Adjei B, Daci R, Phelan A, Mietus CJ, Kosarchuk J, Lambert W, Qureshi HM, Lim JC, Mihalek O, Li D, Sorour O, Homsy C, Kryzanski J, Aulet R, Johnson MD. Self-Trephination in Cranial Excoriation Disorder. Neurosurgery 2024:00006123-990000000-01204. [PMID: 38856202 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000003004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Trephination is a procedure in which a small hole is made in the skull. Rare cases of self-trephination by individuals seeking medical benefit have been reported. Excoriation disorder is a compulsive skin-picking condition in which an individual self-inflicts cutaneous lesions. Left untreated, severe excoriation disorder can pose significant health risks. CLINICAL PRESENTATION Here, we describe 5 patients who presented with self-trephination due to a severe form of compulsive cranial excoriation at 2 neighboring academic medical centers over a 4-year period. We review the clinical presentation of self-trephination in cranial excoriation disorder and associated risk factors, surgical and nonsurgical interventions, complications of the disease, treatments, and mortality. Defining clinical characteristics include repetitive self-induced destruction of the scalp and skull with entry into the intracranial compartment, frequent psychiatric comorbidities, infection or injury of the brain with consequent neurological morbidity or mortality, and frequent treatment failures because of poor adherence. CONCLUSION Self-trephination in cranial excoriation disorder is a severe neuropsychological disorder and neurosurgical emergency that exposes the brain and is often life-threatening. Appropriate therapy requires antibiotics, surgical debridement and repair of the wound, and concomitant effective psychiatric management of the underlying compulsion, including the use of antidepressants and behavioral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coleman P Riordan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brittany Owusu-Adjei
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- UMass Memorial Health, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rrita Daci
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- UMass Memorial Health, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alannah Phelan
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Constance J Mietus
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- UMass Memorial Health, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacob Kosarchuk
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tufts University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William Lambert
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- UMass Memorial Health, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hanya M Qureshi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- UMass Memorial Health, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeewoo Chelsea Lim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Olivia Mihalek
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Danielle Li
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Omar Sorour
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher Homsy
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Tufts University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Kryzanski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tufts University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ricardo Aulet
- UMass Memorial Health, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark D Johnson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- UMass Memorial Health, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Moritz S, Scheunemann J, Jelinek L, Penney D, Schmotz S, Hoyer L, Grudzień D, Aleksandrowicz A. Prevalence of body-focused repetitive behaviors in a diverse population sample - rates across age, gender, race and education. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1552-1558. [PMID: 38087951 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723003392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevalence estimates for body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as trichotillomania differ greatly across studies owing to several confounding factors (e.g. different criteria). For the present study, we recruited a diverse online sample to provide estimates for nine subtypes of BFRBs and body-focused repetitive disorders (BFRDs). METHODS The final sample comprised 1481 individuals from the general population. Several precautions were taken to recruit a diverse sample and to exclude participants with low reliability. We matched participants on gender, race, education and age range to allow unbiased interpretation. RESULTS While almost all participants acknowledged at least one BFRB in their lifetime (97.1%), the rate for BFRDs was 24%. Nail biting (11.4%), dermatophagia (8.7%), skin picking (8.2%), and lip-cheek biting (7.9%) were the most frequent BFRDs. Whereas men showed more lifetime BFRBs, the rate of BFRDs was higher in women than in men. Rates of BFRDs were low in older participants, especially after the age of 40. Overall, BFRBs and BFRDs were more prevalent in White than in non-White individuals. Education did not show a strong association with BFRB/BFRDs. DISCUSSION BFRBs are ubiquitous. More severe forms, BFRDs, manifest in approximately one out of four people. In view of the often-irreversible somatic sequelae (e.g. scars) BFRBs/BFRDs deserve greater diagnostic and therapeutic attention by clinicians working in both psychology/psychiatry and somatic medicine (especially dermatology and dentistry).
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Moritz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Scheunemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lena Jelinek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Danielle Penney
- Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, Canada
| | - Stella Schmotz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Luca Hoyer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Grudzień
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adrianna Aleksandrowicz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Experimental Psychopathology Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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6
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Johnsen N, Poppens M, Cheng K. Acne excoriée: Diagnostic overview and management. Int J Dermatol 2024; 63:565-571. [PMID: 38102842 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Acne excoriée (AE) is a skin picking disorder (SPD) within the group of obsessive compulsive (OCD) and related disorders characterized by the compulsive manipulation of acne lesions. AE typically appears in females during adolescence or young adulthood and can cause significant disfigurement and psychosocial impairment. This disorder is under-recognized due to patient discomfort to disclose excoriation habits or lack of behavior awareness. It is imperative that dermatologists accurately diagnose and treat this disorder to minimize long-term damage to the skin. This review aims to provide an overview of the diagnosis and treatment options for AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Johnsen
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - McKayla Poppens
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kyle Cheng
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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7
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Rautio D, Andrén P, Bjureberg L, Silverberg-Mörse M, Mataix-Cols D, Fernández de la Cruz L. Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes in a Naturalistic Setting. Behav Ther 2024; 55:376-390. [PMID: 38418047 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2023.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Body-focused repetitive behavior disorders, including trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and excoriation (skin picking) disorder, typically emerge in early adolescence, but little is known about the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of these disorders in young people, particularly in real-world clinical settings. Participants were 63 children and adolescents (51 girls; age range 9-17) with a diagnosis of trichotillomania (n = 33) and/or skin-picking disorder (n = 33) attending a specialist outpatient clinic in Stockholm, Sweden. Demographic and clinical characteristics were gathered at the initial assessment. Of the 63 assessed youths, 56 received manual-based behavior therapy mainly focusing on habit reversal training, which was combined with medication when deemed appropriate. The mean clinician-reported trichotillomania and skin-picking disorder symptom severity at baseline (n = 63) was in the moderate range. We observed high rates of psychiatric comorbidity (63.5%) and use of psychiatric medication (54.8%). For the 56 individuals undertaking treatment at the clinic, mixed-effects regression models showed a significant decrease in symptom severity from baseline to posttreatment, with gains maintained up to the 12-month follow-up. Substantial and durable improvements were also seen on self-reported symptoms, self-reported depression, and global functioning. Specialist care should be made more widely available to improve the prognosis and quality of life of young people with trichotillomania and skin-picking disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rautio
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm.
| | - Per Andrén
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Health Care Services, and Lund University
| | | | | | - David Mataix-Cols
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, and Lund University
| | - Lorena Fernández de la Cruz
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm
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Schienle A, Schlintl C, Wabnegger A. Brain mechanisms for processing caress-like touch in skin-picking disorder. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:235-243. [PMID: 37610499 PMCID: PMC10786990 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01669-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Skin-picking disorder (SPD) is characterized by repetitive touching and picking of one's skin. The picking is typically experienced as pleasant although this behavior leads to tissue damage. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigated how individuals with SPD react to caress-like touch, which stimulates C-tactile afferents. A standardized touch procedure was used. Seventy females with a primary diagnosis of SPD and 62 healthy females received CT-optimal brushing of their forearms (3 cm/s) and non-optimal brushing (30 cm/s) during an fMRI session. The two types of tactile stimulation were rated according to pleasure, arousal, and urge to pick one's skin. Relative to healthy controls, patients with SPD showed greater activation in parietal regions (supramarginal/angular gyrus) during CT-optimal touch. Moreover, the deactivation of the middle/ inferior frontal cortex displayed by control participants was absent in the SPD group. Being touched was rated as less pleasant, more arousing, and elicited a greater urge to perform skin-picking in participants with SPD. The mentioned frontal and parietal brain regions are sources of attentional control. They are involved in integrating somatosensory information and switching attention between external/internal stimuli. The present study adds to the limited database on the dysfunctional processing of touch in SPD. This study was preregistered on the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00022123, June 8th, 2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schienle
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Universitätsplatz 2/III, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Carina Schlintl
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Universitätsplatz 2/III, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Albert Wabnegger
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Universitätsplatz 2/III, 8010, Graz, Austria
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Wabnegger A, Schienle A. Atypical cerebellar activity and connectivity during affective touch in adults with skin-picking disorder. Brain Imaging Behav 2024; 18:184-191. [PMID: 37973691 PMCID: PMC10844139 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-023-00824-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Excessive touching and picking of one's skin are core symptoms of skin-picking disorder (SPD). Previous research has shown that patients with SPD display difficulties in motor control and show altered reward responsivity. Considering the limited knowledge about neuronal mechanisms in SPD, particularly concerning the cerebellum, the analysis focused on this brain region due to its involvement in sensorimotor and affective functions. The participants of the present study received affective (caress-like), which is typically perceived as pleasant and can be passively enjoyed. A total of 132 female participants (70 patients with SPD, 62 healthy controls) received affective and nonaffective touch to their forearms (slow vs. fast brushing) during functional magnetic resonance imaging. This tactile stimulation was rated according to pleasure, arousal, and the urge to pick one's skin. Being touched was perceived as more negative and arousing by the SPD group, and elicited a greater urge to perform skin-picking. During affective touch, those participants with SPD were characterized by reduced activity in lobule VIII, reduced functional connectivity of lobule VIII with the hippocampus, and increased connectivity with the superior parietal lobule. Since VIII is involved in the inhibition of movement, the present findings point to deficient motor control in SPD in the context of affective-sensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Wabnegger
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Universitätsplatz 2/III, Graz, A-8010, Austria
| | - Anne Schienle
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Universitätsplatz 2/III, Graz, A-8010, Austria.
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Halalmeh DR, Salama HZ, Molnar P, Moisi MD. Advanced Neck Dermatillomania Leading to Cervical Osteomyelitis and Epidural Abscess. Cureus 2023; 15:e48163. [PMID: 38046762 PMCID: PMC10693285 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dermatillomania, a condition characterized by compulsive skin picking, can lead to tissue damage and severe infections of adjacent structures. This case report presents the first documented instance of dermatillomania-induced cervical osteomyelitis and epidural abscess. Herein, we describe the case of a 45-year-old male patient with a history of a non-healing posterior neck wound, which progressively worsened and extended to the posterior cervical spine. The patient subsequently experienced weakness and paresthesia in the left arm. Neuroimaging revealed cervical spine osteomyelitis and an associated epidural collection/phlegmon compressing the spinal cord. The abscess was evacuated via posterior laminectomy, followed by culture-guided antibiotic therapy. The presence of a chronic wound or ulcer in the setting of psychiatric comorbidities should raise suspicion of dermatillomania-induced complications. Early diagnosis is essential to guide management and prevent serious complications. Management involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes addressing behavioral abnormalities and concurrent psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dia R Halalmeh
- Neurosurgery, Hurley Medical Center, Flint, USA
- Surgery, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, USA
| | | | | | - Marc D Moisi
- Neurosurgery, Hurley Medical Center, Flint, USA
- Surgery, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, USA
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11
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Ajani AA, Olanrewaju FO, Oninla OA, Ibigbami O, Mosaku SK, Onayemi OE, Olasode O. Psychodermatological Disorders in Patients With Primary Psychiatric Conditions: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR DERMATOLOGY 2023; 6:e47769. [PMID: 37782534 PMCID: PMC10580141 DOI: 10.2196/47769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychodermatological disorders (PDs) and their associations with mental health problems are one of the most frequent research themes in dermatology outpatient settings. Surprisingly, very few studies have been conducted to evaluate PDs among patients with primary psychiatric conditions. As such, the relationship between preexisting psychiatric conditions and comorbid PDs is underrepresented in the literature. OBJECTIVE This study examined the prevalence and distribution of PDs among adults with primary psychiatric conditions and determined their association with underlying psychiatric diagnoses. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis at a tertiary health care facility in southwestern Nigeria. Comorbid PDs were identified and classified using preexisting classification systems. A bivariate analysis was conducted to determine the association between PDs and underlying psychiatric conditions. The level of statistical significance was set at P<.05. RESULTS The study included 107 patients with mental health disorders, of whom 64 (59.8%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 40.73 (SD 13.08) years. A total of 75 (75/107, 70%) patients had at least one comorbid PD. The prevalence of PDs was highest in patients with affective disorders (15/20, 75%) and least in those with schizophrenia (45/66, 68%). PDs associated with delusions or hallucinations and somatoform symptoms were 9 and 13 times more frequent in patients with anxiety disorders compared to those with other psychiatric conditions (P=.01; odds ratio [OR] 9.88, 95% CI 1.67-58.34 and P=.003; OR 13.13, 95% CI 2.34-73.65), respectively. In contrast, patients with schizophrenia were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with dermatoses resulting from delusions or hallucinations (P=.002; OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.00-0.75). A weak but significant negative association was also found between psychophysiological PDs and anxiety disorders (ϕ=-0.236; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS This study provides important insights into the overwhelming burden of psychodermatological conditions in patients with mental health disorders and specific associations with underlying psychiatric diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atinuke Arinola Ajani
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Olanrewaju Ibigbami
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Olayinka Olasode
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria
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Kamberoğlu Turan I, Turan S. Emotion regulation and executive functions in adolescents with skin picking disorder. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2023; 12:221-226. [PMID: 35634801 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2022.2078978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to investigate emotion regulation difficulties and executive functions of adolescent outpatients with skin picking disorder (SPD). METHOD Ninety six adolescents with SPD and ninety healthy controls were included in the study. All patients were diagnosed with SPD as per the diagnostic criteria of DSM-5. A battery of tests were implemented to evaluate emotional regulation strategies (i.e. acceptance,), as well as associations between those strategies and executive functions, and clinical variables (anxiety, depressive symptoms, impulsivity and illness characteristics). RESULTS The SPD group had significantly higher scores in inhibition (t = 2.982, p = 0.030), emotional control (t = 2.461, p = 0.016), and planning-organization (t = 2.139, p = 0.038) Multiple linear regression model explained a considerable amount of variance of executive functions in the patient group (Adjusted R2=66.4%). In the patient group, age at illness-onset and the severity of inhibiton were significantly associated with the disruptions in emotional control functions (For age at illness-onset, β= -0.45, t=-3.0, p = 0.012 and for BRIEF Inhibition scores, β = 0.31, t = 2.8, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that those with SPD have more emotion regulation problems and poorer executive function skills compared to those without SPD. Deficits in emotional control were associated with inhibition process and age-onset of the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Işıl Kamberoğlu Turan
- Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training & Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Serkan Turan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bursa Uludag University Medical School, Bursa, Turkey
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13
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Lagacé F, D’Aguanno K, Prosty C, Laverde-Saad A, Cattelan L, Ouchene L, Oliel S, Genest G, Doiron P, Richer V, Jfri A, O’Brien E, Lefrançois P, Powell M, Moreau L, Litvinov IV, Muntyanu A, Netchiporouk E. The Role of Sex and Gender in Dermatology - From Pathogenesis to Clinical Implications. J Cutan Med Surg 2023; 27:NP1-NP36. [PMID: 37401812 PMCID: PMC10486181 DOI: 10.1177/12034754231177582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex and gender have increasingly been recognized as significant risk factors for many diseases, including dermatological conditions. Historically, sex and gender have often been grouped together as a single risk factor in the scientific literature. However, both may have a distinct impact on disease incidence, prevalence, clinical presentation, severity, therapeutic response, and associated psychological distress. OBJECTIVES AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION The mechanisms that underlie differences in skin diseases between males, females, men, and women remain largely unknown. The specific objectives of this review paper are:To highlight the biological differences between males and females (sex), as well as the sociocultural differences between men and women (gender) and how they impact the integumentary system.To perform a literature review to identify important sex- and gender-related epidemiological and clinical differences for various skin conditions belonging to a range of disease categories and to discuss possible biological and sociocultural factors that could explain the observed differences.To discuss dermatological skin conditions and gender-affirming treatments within the transgender community, a population of individuals who have a gender identity which is different than the gender identity they were assigned at birth. FUTURE IMPACT With the rising number of individuals that identify as non-binary or transgender within our increasingly diverse communities, it is imperative to recognize gender identity, gender, and sex as distinct entities. By doing so, clinicians will be able to better risk-stratify their patients and select treatments that are most aligned with their values. To our knowledge, very few studies have separated sex and gender as two distinct risk factors within the dermatology literature. Our article also has the potential to help guide future prevention strategies that are patient-tailored rather than using a universal approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Lagacé
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Connor Prosty
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexandra Laverde-Saad
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Leila Cattelan
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Lydia Ouchene
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sarah Oliel
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Genevieve Genest
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Philip Doiron
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vincent Richer
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Abdulhadi Jfri
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth O’Brien
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Lefrançois
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Powell
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Linda Moreau
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ivan V. Litvinov
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anastasiya Muntyanu
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Elena Netchiporouk
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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14
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Reich H, Gieler U, Braehler E, Kupfer J. Associations of self-reported skin symptoms with age, sex, and living with a partner: Findings from a representative survey in view of the biomedical and the biopsychosocial model. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1076233. [PMID: 37415762 PMCID: PMC10321769 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1076233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Social and demographic characteristics are crucial determinants of health. The objective of this contribution is to study the associations of skin symptoms and sociodemographic variables in the general population, and to discuss these findings in view of the biomedical and the biopsychosocial models of skin diseases. Methods A national face-to-face household survey with a representative sample of the German general population assessed 19 self-reported skin symptoms (N = 2,487). Associations with age, sex, and living situation (alone vs. with partner) were analyzed using logistic regression analyses. Results The frequencies of pimples and biting of the nails decreased by approximately 30% per age decade, and oily skin, the feeling of disfigurement, excoriations, and sun damages decreased by 8%-15% per age decade. Dryness of the skin increased by 7% per decade. Sensitive skin and dryness were approx. twice as likely in females as in males. Dryness of the skin, itch, and excoriations were 23%-32% more frequent in participants living without a partner. Discussion The biomedical model explains some of the findings well (e.g., reduction of pimples with age). The interpretation of other results is facilitated by the biopsychosocial model (e.g., association of living without a partner and itch). This suggests a stronger integration of psychological and social factors into the understanding and treatment of symptoms of the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Reich
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Depression Research Centre of the German Depression Foundation, Department for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Uwe Gieler
- Department of Dermatology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Elmar Braehler
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Centre Adiposity Diseases, Behavioural Medicine Research Unit, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joerg Kupfer
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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15
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Farhat LC, Reid M, Bloch MH, Olfson E. Prevalence and gender distribution of excoriation (skin-picking) disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 161:412-418. [PMID: 37023597 PMCID: PMC11137851 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies of excoriation disorder have reported different prevalence estimates for this condition, limiting our understanding of its public health impact. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to collate epidemiological studies of excoriation disorder. We aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and the female-to-male ratio of excoriation disorder in the general population. We searched Embase, PsycInfo, and PubMed up to May 2020 and updated the PubMed search in October 2021. Studies which reported the frequency of excoriation disorder in a sample from the general population were included in our meta-analyses. We made no restrictions regarding the definition or assessment of excoriation disorder. Data were pooled through random-effects meta-analyses. Of the 677 records identified through database searches, 19 studies involving 38,038 participants met our inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses demonstrated that excoriation disorder has an overall prevalence of 3.45% (95% CI 2.55, 4.65%) and impacts women more than men (female-to-male OR = 1.45; 95% CI 1.15, 1.81, p = 0.001). These findings underscore the public health impact of excoriation disorder, which will hopefully motivate future research focused on advancing our understanding and management of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis C Farhat
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, BR, Brazil
| | - Madison Reid
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael H Bloch
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emily Olfson
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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16
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Lin A, Farhat LC, Flores JM, Levine JLS, Fernandez TV, Bloch MH, Olfson E. Characteristics of trichotillomania and excoriation disorder across the lifespan. Psychiatry Res 2023; 322:115120. [PMID: 36842397 PMCID: PMC10023474 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and excoriation (skin-picking) disorder are body-focused repetitive behaviors, which often first present in adolescence and cause distress and impairment into adulthood. Few studies have examined the clinical characteristics of the co-occurrence of these conditions across the lifespan. We examined cross-sectional survey responses collected from April 2018-February 2020 to evaluate the relationship between trichotillomania, excoriation disorder, and their co-occurrence. Responses from individuals with trichotillomania (n = 50), excoriation disorder (n = 52), and both conditions (n = 50) ages 4-67 years old were compared for co-occurring conditions and current symptoms. Self-report measures of hair-pulling and skin-picking severity and subtypes were assessed. Gender, race, and co-occurring conditions were generally similarly distributed across the three groups with high rates of self-reported anxiety (63-82%), depression (34-50%), obsessive-compulsive disorder (16-29%), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (12-32%). Among individuals with both trichotillomania and excoriation disorder, significant positive correlations were observed between hair-pulling and skin-picking severity scores as well as hair-pulling and skin-picking subtypes. Hair-pulling and skin-picking severity peaked at the transition from adolescence to adulthood and hair-pulling/skin-picking styles appeared to shift across the lifespan. Our results support several similarities between trichotillomania and excoriation disorder, providing new insight into the clinical characteristics of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Lin
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven CT, United States
| | - Luis C Farhat
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven CT, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - José M Flores
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jessica L S Levine
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven CT, United States
| | - Thomas V Fernandez
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven CT, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Michael H Bloch
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven CT, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Emily Olfson
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven CT, United States.
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Grant JE, Chesivoir E, Valle S, Ehsan D, Chamberlain SR. Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Memantine in Trichotillomania and Skin-Picking Disorder. Am J Psychiatry 2023; 180:348-356. [PMID: 36856701 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20220737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Trichotillomania and skin-picking disorder are underrecognized and often disabling conditions in which individuals repeatedly pull at their hair or pick at their skin, leading to noticeable hair loss or tissue damage. To date there is a severe paucity of evidence-based treatments for these conditions. In this study, the authors sought to determine whether memantine, a glutamate modulator, is more effective than placebo in reducing hair-pulling and skin-picking behavior. METHODS One hundred adults with trichotillomania or skin-picking disorder (86 women; mean age, 31.4 years [SD=10.2]) were enrolled in a double-blind trial of memantine (dosing range, 10-20 mg/day) or placebo for 8 weeks. Participants were assessed with measures of pulling and picking severity. Outcomes were examined using a linear mixed-effects model. The prespecified primary outcome measure was treatment-related change on the NIMH Trichotillomania Symptom Severity Scale, modified to include skin picking. RESULTS Compared with placebo, memantine treatment was associated with significant improvements in scores on the NIMH scale, Sheehan Disability Scale, and Clinical Global Impressions severity scale in terms of treatment-by-time interactions. At study endpoint, 60.5% of participants in the memantine group were "much or very much improved," compared with 8.3% in the placebo group (number needed to treat=1.9). Adverse events did not differ significantly between the treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS This study found that memantine treatment resulted in statistically significant reductions in hair pulling and skin-picking symptoms compared with placebo, with relatively high efficacy (based on number needed to treat), and was well tolerated. The glutamate system may prove to be a beneficial target in the treatment of compulsive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon E Grant
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago (Grant, Chesivoir, Valle, Ehsan); Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K. (Chamberlain); and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, U.K. (Chamberlain)
| | - Eve Chesivoir
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago (Grant, Chesivoir, Valle, Ehsan); Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K. (Chamberlain); and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, U.K. (Chamberlain)
| | - Stephanie Valle
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago (Grant, Chesivoir, Valle, Ehsan); Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K. (Chamberlain); and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, U.K. (Chamberlain)
| | - Dustin Ehsan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago (Grant, Chesivoir, Valle, Ehsan); Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K. (Chamberlain); and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, U.K. (Chamberlain)
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago (Grant, Chesivoir, Valle, Ehsan); Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K. (Chamberlain); and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, U.K. (Chamberlain)
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18
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Schmidt J, Gallinat C, Martin A. Appearance-related concerns in individuals with pathological skin picking-a comparison with individuals with dermatological conditions and skin-healthy controls. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1075743. [PMID: 37206477 PMCID: PMC10189119 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1075743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pathological skin picking (PSP) is an excessive behavior which characterizes Skin Picking Disorder. Individuals repeatedly pick their skin and cause skin lesions, but are unable to control the behavior, which can cause severe distress. Visible self-inflicted skin lesions can additionally affect individuals with PSP due to emerging appearance-related concerns. However, these concerns and their role in PSP have hardly been studied, especially not in comparison with individuals with dermatological conditions and skin-healthy controls. Methods The present cross-sectional study (n = 453, 83.9% female, 15.9% male, 0.2% diverse) aimed at analyzing appearance-related concerns and mental health outcomes between four groups: Individuals with PSP and dermatological conditions (SP/DC; n = 83), PSP without dermatological conditions (SP; n = 56), dermatological conditions without PSP (DC; n = 176) and skin-healthy controls (SH, n = 138). We compared questionnaire data on dysmorphic concerns, appearance-based rejection sensitivity, and body dysmorphic symptoms, as well as PSP-symptoms and mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and self-esteem) between groups. Results The analyses showed a significant multivariate group effect in the appearance-related variables, F(6, 896) = 19.92, Wilks' Λ = 0.78, p < 0.001, and mental health outcomes, F(6, 896) = 16.24, Wilks' Λ = 0.81, p < 0.001. The SP/DC group had the strongest appearance-related concerns and mental health impairments, followed by the SP group, the DC group and the SH group. The SP/DC group and SP group only differed significantly with regard to dysmorphic concerns, but not in other variables. The DC group was less affected but still showed higher dysmorphic concerns and mental health impairments than skin-healthy controls. In contrast to the PSP groups, the other two groups did not exceed clinically relevant cut-off scores. Discussion The present study shows that individuals with PSP exhibit strong appearance-related concerns, regardless of the presence or absence of underlying or comorbid dermatological conditions. These findings shed new light on the importance of appearance-related concerns in Skin Picking Disorder and the role of PSP as a potentially overlooked risk factor in dermatological patients. Therefore, appearance-related concerns should be explicitly addressed in dermatological and psychotherapeutic settings. Future studies should also include longitudinal and experimental analyses to more clearly classify the role of appearance-related concerns in the etiology of PSP and Skin Picking Disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Schmidt
- Münster Department of Health, FH Münster—University of Applied Sciences, Münster, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jennifer Schmidt,
| | - Christina Gallinat
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Martin
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, School of Human and Social Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
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Schienle A, Schlintl C, Wabnegger A. A neurobiological evaluation of soft touch training for patients with skin-picking disorder. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 36:103254. [PMID: 36451359 PMCID: PMC9668654 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with skin-picking disorder (SPD) display reduced neural sensitivity to slow/soft touch. This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigated the effects of Soft Touch Training (STT) on neural correlates of touch processing and SPD symptoms. METHOD Females with a primary diagnosis of SPD (n = 57) were randomly assigned to receive either four weeks of STT (guided soft brushing of selected skin regions) or Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) training (guided tensing and relaxing of selected muscle regions). The app-assisted intervention consisted of 15-minute daily training sessions at home. Before and after the four-week intervention, the two groups participated in a standardized tactile stimulation procedure during fMRI (affective vs nonaffective touch of the forearm). Intervention-based changes in subjective and neural responses to the tactile stimulation as well as SPD severity were compared between the groups. RESULTS STT increased the pleasantness ratings for (affective) touch administered during fMRI, which was accompanied by decreased activation in the parietal operculum (PO) and supramarginal gyrus (SMG), as well as increased PO-SMG connectivity. These findings possibly reflect normalized affective touch processing due to STT. Both interventions (STT and PMR) reduced SPD severity. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that a brief app-assisted touch training can change the experience of receiving touch from others and the associated brain activity and connectivity. Adaptations of the training relating to duration/ frequency of sessions might enhance its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schienle
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Austria.
| | - Carina Schlintl
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Austria
| | - Albert Wabnegger
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Austria
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Xavier ACM, Prati C, Brandão MG, Ebert AB, Macedo MJDA, Fernandes MJB, Manfro GG, Dreher CB. Comorbidity of psychiatric and dermatologic disorders with skin picking disorder and validation of the Skin Picking Scale Revised for Brazilian Portuguese. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PSIQUIATRIA (SAO PAULO, BRAZIL : 1999) 2022; 44:621-627. [PMID: 36683012 PMCID: PMC9851763 DOI: 10.47626/1516-4446-2021-2400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Skin picking disorder (SPD) affects up to 5.4% of the population. Less than half of patients are correctly diagnosed and treated. Developing tools to recognize SPD can help professionals and patients alike. This trial aimed to validate the Skin Picking Scale-Revised (SPS-R) for the Brazilian population and assess the psychiatric and dermatological comorbidities of patients with SPD. METHODS Brazilians with a primary diagnosis of SPD, 18 years or older, were recruited from a community sample by media advertising and evaluated by a dermatologist and a psychiatrist. Self-report instruments were used: SPS-R, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to evaluate the SPS-R, and Pearson correlation (r) was used to assess the relationship between instruments. RESULTS Overall, 124 patients were included. The SPS-R demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's coefficient = 0.84). CFA found a good fit to the model according to all indices (?2 = 29.67; degrees of freedom [df] = 19; p = 0.056; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.067; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.969; non-normed fit index [NNFI] = 0.954). SPS-R correlated with DLQI (r = 0.73), GAD-7 (r = 0.51), and PHQ-9 (r = 0.43). The sample had a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders, mainly generalized anxiety disorder (62.1%) and current (32.3%) and past (37.1%) depressive episodes. CONCLUSION The Brazilian version of the SPS-R presents good psychometric properties. The severity of SPD is related to severity of depression, anxiety, and impairment in quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Castro Menezes Xavier
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil,Correspondence: Alice Castro Menezes Xavier, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Antônio Carlos Berta, 574/603, CEP 91340-020 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. E-mail:
| | - Clarissa Prati
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Alice Barbieri Ebert
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Malu Joyce de Amorim Macedo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Gisele Gus Manfro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Departamento de Psiquiatria e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Medicina, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carolina Blaya Dreher
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Departamento de Psiquiatria e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Medicina, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil,Departamento de Clínica Médica, Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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21
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Childhood maltreatment, traumatic experiences, and posttraumatic stress disorder in pathological skin picking: An online case-control study. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2022; 78:9-13. [PMID: 35752025 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although traumatic stress including childhood maltreatment (CM) has a profound impact on mental health, its relation to pathological skin picking (PSP) has been understudied and results remain inconclusive. Likewise, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the most typical sequelae of traumatic stress has hardly been investigated in those with PSP. The objective of our online case-control study was to shed further light on this issue. METHODS Using an anonymous online survey, 325 adult participants with PSP defined by Skin Picking Scale-Revised (SPS-R) scores ≥ 7 as well as Skin Picking Impact Scale (SPIS) scores ≥ 7 were administered the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Short Screening Scale for DSM-IV PTSD (PTSD-7) including a list of traumatic events, and a brief measure of psychopathological distress. They were compared to an age-, sex-, and education-matched control group recruited online by means of analyses of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS The PSP sample scored significantly higher on the CTQ dimensions of sexual and emotional abuse as well as emotional neglect with small to moderate effect sizes (d between 0.27 and 0.49). Accounting for psychological distress, the only significant difference related to emotional abuse with a small effect (d = 0.23). Participants with PSP reported significantly more traumatic experiences in adulthood than the control group (59.1% vs. 38.2%; χ2(1; N=638) = 28.02, p < .001). Among those with PSP, a probable diagnosis of PTSD was found in 44 (13.5%) compared to zero cases in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that emotional abuse in childhood may be of relevance in skin picking. Since exposure to traumatic events in adulthood as well as PTSD seem to be more frequent in those with PSP compared to a control group, it might be worthwhile to consider these factors in the assessment of patients with skin picking.
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McGowan K, Poos S, Vo N. Severe bullous pemphigoid with excoriation disorder. BMJ Case Rep 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-250285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Bullous pemphigoid is the most common autoimmune blistering skin disease. Pathogenesis involves autoantibodies that attack the basement membrane, resulting in blisters and intense pruritus. We present a case of bullous pemphigoid with concurrent excoriation disorder in a woman in her 50s. The suspected diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid was confirmed through direct immunofluorescence testing on a specimen obtained via punch biopsy, then treated with vancomycin and steroids. In addition, cross tapering from duloxetine to fluoxetine was used to treat the patient’s excoriation disorder. The concurrent dermatological and psychiatric components, as well as the severity, made this case unique.
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Schienle A, Wabnegger A. Discriminative and Affective Processing of Touch: Associations with Severity of Skin-picking. JOURNAL OF NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 46:537-545. [PMID: 36312223 PMCID: PMC9596513 DOI: 10.1007/s10919-022-00415-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSkin-picking is a common behavior in the general population that generally serves emotion regulation (e.g., reduction of tension). However, recent research suggests it may also be associated with changes in tactile processing sensitivity. Along these lines, the present study examined whether the severity of skin-picking (SOSP) is related to discriminative and affective touch processing. A total of 160 participants (59 males, 101 females, mean age = 31 years) completed two tactile discrimination tests (two-point discrimination, surface texture discrimination), as well as a well-validated affective touch paradigm (delivery of soft/slow touch, which is found to be generally pleasant). A hierarchical regression analysis was carried out to investigate the association between SOSP, age, sex, and indicators of tactile sensitivity. Replicating previous findings, females reported higher SOSP. While the performance in the discrimination tests did not predict SOSP, affective touch processing was associated with SOSP. Participants with high SOSP reported an urge to pick their skin after being softly touched. This seems paradoxical since previous findings have suggested skin-picking may be carried out to manage negative affective states. Our findings add to the literature describing altered sensitivity and responsivity to specific tactile stimuli in individuals with excessive skin-picking.
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Moreno-Amador B, Cervin M, Falcó R, Marzo JC, Piqueras JA. Body-dysmorphic, hoarding, hair-pulling, and skin-picking symptoms in a large sample of adolescents. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03477-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AbstractFew studies have investigated body-dysmorphic, hoarding, hair-pulling, and skin-picking symptoms in adolescents and how they relate to mental health, quality of life, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-harm. We used a quota sampling procedure and contacted 100 secondary centres in the Southeast of Spain, of which 34 participated in the study. A sample of 5,345 adolescents (12–18 years) completed dimensional measures of body-dysmorphic, hoarding, hair-pulling, and skin-picking symptoms. The proportion of adolescents with clinically significant symptoms within each symptom type was estimated and associations with other indicators of mental health examined. Clinically significant body-dysmorphic symptoms were reported by 3.7%, hoarding by 0.9%, hair-pulling by 0.7%, and skin-picking by 1.8%. Body-dysmorphic symptoms were more common in girls and in those over 14 years of age. Body-dysmorphic, hoarding, hair-pulling, and skin-picking symptoms were moderately to strongly associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, and poor quality of life. Those with significant body-dysmorphic, hoarding, hair-pulling, and skin-picking symptoms were much more likely to have attempted suicide and engaged in non-suicidal self-harm during the last twelve months than those without such symptoms. Body-dysmorphic symptoms showed the strongest associations with internalizing symptoms and poor quality of life. Limitations are the sole use of self-report and a sample from only two regions in Spain, but findings suggest that body-dysmorphic, hoarding, hair-pulling, and skin-picking symptoms are common and impairing during adolescence.
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Grant JE, Chamberlain SR. Characteristics of 262 adults with skin picking disorder. Compr Psychiatry 2022; 117:152338. [PMID: 35843137 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Skin picking disorder (also known as excoriation disorder or dermatillomania) is a common mental health disorder currently classified as an obsessive-compulsive and related condition. Despite being first described in the 1800s, very little is known about its phenomenology and clinical presentation. Most information about this disorder to date is based on online surveys rather than in-person assessments. METHODS Clinical and demographic data were collected from individuals with skin-picking disorder taking part in research studies, using in-person assessments comprising validated instruments. Descriptive information was presented as to the nature of skin picking disorder. RESULTS The sample comprised 262 individuals, mean age 32.5 years, being 87% female. The peak age of onset of symptoms was 12.9 years, and most affected individuals (>90%) had symptom onset before age of 20 years. Typically, individuals reported picking from multiple body sites (most common was the face), and the most frequent triggers were stress and the 'feel' (i.e. texture) of the skin. Comorbidities were common, including trichotillomania, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and impulsive/compulsive disorders (especially attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder). The majority of people with the disorder (87.1%) had never received treatment. Of those who had received treatment in the past, 87% reported that they found the treatment helpful for their symptoms. DISCUSSION This study sheds new light on the clinical presentation and phenomenology of skin picking disorder. Results highlight the need for further research into its clinical presentation, longitudinal course, and treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon E Grant
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK; Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
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Prochwicz K, Antosz-Rekucka R, Kałużna-Wielobób A, Sznajder D, Kłosowska J. Negative Affectivity Moderates the Relationship between Attentional Control and Focused Skin Picking. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116636. [PMID: 35682222 PMCID: PMC9180320 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Very little is known about the cognitive functioning of people with body-focused repetitive behaviours and the few existing studies provide mixed findings. The aim of this study was to investigate the interplay between attentional control, negative affectivity, and focused skin picking. We hypothesized that the control of attention is associated with focused style of skin picking and that this relationship is moderated by negative affectivity. The final sample consisted of 273 non-clinical subjects (79% women) aged 18 to 54 years; study variables were assessed using questionnaires. Moderation analysis was conducted, followed by a simple slope analysis, and the Johnson–Neyman technique was used to probe the interaction effect. We found that at the low level of negative affectivity, the relationship between attentional control and focused skin picking is negative, but not at the higher levels of this trait. Interestingly, when negative affectivity reaches very high intensity, the association between attentional control and skin picking becomes positive. This relationship seems to be quite complex and may depend on the way that cognitive abilities are used by the individual, as well as on the stage of cognitive processing that they are applied to. Further studies using behavioural measures of attention are needed to better understand this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Prochwicz
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland; (K.P.); (R.A.-R.)
| | - Rachela Antosz-Rekucka
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland; (K.P.); (R.A.-R.)
| | - Alina Kałużna-Wielobób
- Institute of Psychology, Pedagogical University, ul. Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Kraków, Poland; (A.K.-W.); (D.S.)
| | - Dominika Sznajder
- Institute of Psychology, Pedagogical University, ul. Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Kraków, Poland; (A.K.-W.); (D.S.)
| | - Joanna Kłosowska
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland; (K.P.); (R.A.-R.)
- Correspondence:
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Nemeh MN, Hogeling M. Pediatric skin picking disorder: A review of management. Pediatr Dermatol 2022; 39:363-368. [PMID: 35194832 DOI: 10.1111/pde.14953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Skin picking disorder (SPD) commonly presents in childhood; often, families will first turn to dermatologists for evaluation. It is imperative that dermatologists accurately diagnose and treat the disorder as children are vulnerable to face significant negative psychosocial impacts. This article reviews the limited literature on the management of SPD in pediatric patients to better prepare dermatologists for educating families and recommending treatment options. We discuss studies evaluating behavioral and pharmacologic therapies, as well as emerging skin barrier treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N Nemeh
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Marcia Hogeling
- Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Spitzer C, Lübke L, Lindstädt T, Gallinat C, Tietze JK, Emmert S, Thiem A. Prevalence of pathological skin-picking in dermatological patients. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 147:232-236. [PMID: 35066291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of pathological skin-picking (PSP) has predominantly been studied in students and the community, but not yet in dermatological patients. However, those may be at increased risk of PSP because it is often triggered by the feel or look of the skin. Thus, its prevalence among patients with a physician-diagnosed dermatological disease remains to be determined. METHODS A consecutive series of 460 adult patients attending a dermatological university outpatient clinic was administered the 8-item Skin Picking Scale-Revised (SPS-R). They also reported demographic data and rated the severity of their skin disease. The dermatologist evaluating the patient provided his/her diagnosis. RESULTS PSP as defined by SPS-R scores ≥7 was reported by 121 participants (26.3%). It was significantly more frequent in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD, OR = 3.23; 95% CI: 1.95-5.68) and psoriasis (OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.00-2.67), but less frequent in those with malignant epithelial skin tumors (OR = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.02-0.43). PSP was not associated with female gender or younger age. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that PSP affects about one in four patients with skin disease. In particular, individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis may represent a high-risk population for PSP deserving early recognition and adequate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Spitzer
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Laura Lübke
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Tereza Lindstädt
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christina Gallinat
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia K Tietze
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Steffen Emmert
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Alexander Thiem
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Grant JE, Chamberlain SR. Skin picking disorder: Does a person's sex matter? Ann Clin Psychiatry 2022; 34:15-20. [PMID: 35166660 PMCID: PMC7612641 DOI: 10.12788/acp.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin picking disorder (SPD) is characterized by recurrent picking with scarring or tissue damage. Although research suggests that less than one-half of people with SPD are male, there is little clinical information about men with SPD. METHODS We recruited 95 non-treatment-seeking adults as part of a cross-sectional study of SPD. Men (n = 17) and women (n = 78) with SPD were compared on clinical and cognitive measures. Sex differences in the demographic and clinical characteristics, skin picking sites, and presence of comorbidities were examined using analysis of variance for continuous variables and likelihood ratio Chi-square tests for categorical variables. RESULTS Men were significantly more likely than women to report a first-degree relative with skin picking or hair pulling disorders (P = .0174). Men were less likely to pick from their scalps and backs and picked from fewer sites. Men and women did not significantly differ on skin picking severity, disability, impulsivity, or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that SPD is similarly impairing for men and women, but men may have higher familial loading and a somewhat different distribution and frequency of picking sites. Sex differences in SPD merit more detailed consideration in larger samples, including addressing potentially higher genetic/familial loading in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon E Grant
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton Southampton, UK.,Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Southampton, UK
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Tetrahydrocannabinol fails to reduce hair pulling or skin picking: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of dronabinol. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2022; 37:14-20. [PMID: 34825898 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as trichotillomania and skin picking disorder are associated with decreased self-esteem and poor quality of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate dronabinol, a cannabinoid agonist, for the reduction of BFRB symptoms. Fifty adults with either trichotillomania (n = 34) or skin picking disorder (n = 16) were recruited for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Participants received 10-week treatment with dronabinol (5-15 mg/day) or placebo. The primary efficacy outcome measure was the change on the clinician-rated National Institute of Mental Health scale for hair pulling or skin picking. Both dronabinol and placebo treatment were associated with significant reductions in BFRB symptoms. Dronabinol did not significantly separate from placebo on any efficacy measure. At week 10, 67% of the treatment group were classified as responders (Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Score of very much or much improved) compared to 50% in the placebo group (P value = 0.459). This study assessed the efficacy of dronabinol, a synthetic form of tetrahydrocannabinol, in the treatment of BFRBs, and found no differences in symptom reductions between dronabinol and placebo.
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Topal Hangül Z, Tuman TC, Altunay-Tuman B, Saygılı GY, Tufan AE. Body-focused repetitive behaviors in children and adolescents, clinical characteristics, and the effects of treatment choices on symptoms: a single-center retrospective cohort study. ACTA DERMATOVENEROLOGICA ALPINA PANNONICA ET ADRIATICA 2022. [DOI: 10.15570/actaapa.2022.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Grant JE, Valle S, Aslan IH, Chamberlain SR. Clinical presentation of body-focused repetitive behaviors in minority ethnic groups. Compr Psychiatry 2021; 111:152272. [PMID: 34560370 PMCID: PMC7611816 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), such as trichotillomania and skin picking disorder, are psychiatric disorders characterized by repetitive grooming that result in hair loss or excoriations. Questions remain as to whether there are racial/ethnic differences in the clinical presentation of BFRBs. METHODS We recruited 539 adults with DSM-5 trichotillomania or skin picking disorder. Of these, 76 (14.1%) self-identified as Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME), while 463 (85.9%) self-identified as white Caucasian (hereafter referred to as non-BAME). BAME and non-BAME participants were compared on demographics, symptom severity, comorbid conditions and psychosocial impairment. RESULTS Groups did not differ in terms of age, sex, or education levels. BAME individuals reported significantly more time spent picking or hair pulling per day compared to non-BAME individuals, and were less likely to have received treatment for their BFRB symptoms. Some differences were also found with respect to where on the body people pull and pick from. DISCUSSION In general, the clinical profiles of BFRBs appeared similar between those from BAME versus non-BAME backgrounds. However, differences were found in terms of treatments received and an aspect of symptom severity. The findings highlight the need to better understand the heterogeneity of BFRBs including potential health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon E. Grant
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC-3077, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Stephanie Valle
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ibrahim H. Aslan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK,Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Samuel R. Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK,Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
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Gallinat C, Stürmlinger LL, Schaber S, Bauer S. Pathological Skin Picking: Phenomenology and Associations With Emotions, Self-Esteem, Body Image, and Subjective Physical Well-Being. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:732717. [PMID: 34721107 PMCID: PMC8549828 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.732717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological skin picking (PSP) refers to the repetitive manipulation of the skin causing wounds, scars, emotional distress, and social impairment. Skin picking disorder was first recognized as a distinct disorder in the DSM-5 and is still understudied in terms of phenomenology, etiology, and associated consequences. However, the body-related pathology suggests that the relation to the own body might be a crucial factor in PSP. Previous studies provided first insights that affected individuals show a more negative body image and lower self-esteem than healthy individuals. The present study sought to investigate skin picking phenomenology, related emotions as well as associations with self-esteem, body image, and subjective physical well-being. The study was conducted as an open online study, and recruitment was generally targeted to individuals of full age and in addition specifically to individuals with PSP. A total of 363 individuals (82.9% female; age: M = 32.6, SD = 13.92) participated and answered various self-report measures. Nearly half of the sample exceeded the cutoff score for pathological skin picking (N = 163; 44.9%). The results suggest that boredom, bodily tension and strong negative feelings often precede PSP episodes. During the episode most individuals seem to experience a loss of control, trance and positive feelings. After the PSP episode, shame, guilt, anger and anger toward themselves are most prominent. As expected, skin picking severity was positively associated with body image disturbances and negatively with self-esteem, and subjective physical well-being. When controlling for depressive symptoms, all associations were reduced, but those with body image disturbances (r = 0.44; p < 0.001), self-esteem (r = -0.27; p < 0.001), subjective physical well-being (r = -0.22; p < 0.001), and peace of mind (r = 0.30; p < 0.01) remained significant. Moreover, greater skin damage due to skin picking was moderately associated with higher body image disturbances. The results indicate that PSP severity is associated with a negative body image and low self-esteem, and suggest that it may be warranted to consider these aspects in the development of future interventions for PSP. However, relations with body image and self-esteem should be examined in longitudinal studies investigating causal relationships between body image, self-esteem and skin picking. Moreover, PSP phenomenology and the role of specific emotions should be investigated in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gallinat
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Linda Luisa Stürmlinger
- Graduate School of Economic and Social Sciences (GESS) University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sandra Schaber
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Bauer
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Grant JE, Chamberlain SR. Trichotillomania and Skin-Picking Disorder: An Update. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2021; 19:405-412. [PMID: 35747295 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20210013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder) and skin-picking (excoriation) disorder are common neuropsychiatric disorders (each with a point prevalence of around 2%) but are underrecognized by professionals. Affected individuals repeatedly pull out their own hair or pick at their skin, and these symptoms not only have a negative impact on these individuals because of the time they occupy but can also lead to considerable physical disfigurement, with concomitant loss of self-esteem and avoidance of social activities and intimate relationships. The behaviors may also have serious physical consequences. Trichotillomania and skin picking frequently co-occur, and both disorders commonly present with co-occurring depression, anxiety, impulsive, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Behavioral therapy currently appears to be the most effective treatment for both. Pharmacotherapy, in the form of N-acetylcysteine or olanzapine, may also play a role in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon E Grant
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago (Grant); Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, both in Southampton, United Kingdom (Chamberlain)
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago (Grant); Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, both in Southampton, United Kingdom (Chamberlain)
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Mitra S, Bult-Ito A. Bidirectional Behavioral Selection in Mice: A Novel Pre-clinical Approach to Examining Compulsivity. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:716619. [PMID: 34566718 PMCID: PMC8458042 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.716619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders (OCRD) is one of the most prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders with no definitive etiology. The pathophysiological attributes of OCD are driven by a multitude of factors that involve polygenic mechanisms, gender, neurochemistry, physiological status, environmental exposures and complex interactions among these factors. Such complex intertwining of contributing factors imparts clinical heterogeneity to the disorder making it challenging for therapeutic intervention. Mouse strains selected for excessive levels of nest- building behavior exhibit a spontaneous, stable and predictable compulsive-like behavioral phenotype. These compulsive-like mice exhibit heterogeneity in expression of compulsive-like and other adjunct behaviors that might serve as a valuable animal equivalent for examining the interactions of genetics, sex and environmental factors in influencing the pathophysiology of OCD. The current review summarizes the existing findings on the compulsive-like mice that bolster their face, construct and predictive validity for studying various dimensions of compulsive and associated behaviors often reported in clinical OCD and OCRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarup Mitra
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Abel Bult-Ito
- Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
- OCRD Biomed LLC, Fairbanks, AK, United States
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Scrandis DA, Duarte AC. Trichotillomania and excoriation disorder: Primary care implications. Nurse Pract 2021; 46:51-55. [PMID: 34397774 DOI: 10.1097/01.npr.0000753840.44209.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Trichotillomania and excoriation disorder are two psychiatric conditions that have similar origins to obsessive compulsive disorder. Both can cause patients significant distress and lead to medical consequences. It is important that primary care NPs identify and refer these individuals for psychiatric treatment.
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Strom NI, Soda T, Mathews CA, Davis LK. A dimensional perspective on the genetics of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:401. [PMID: 34290223 PMCID: PMC8295308 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01519-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This review covers recent findings in the genomics of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and related traits from a dimensional perspective. We focus on discoveries stemming from technical and methodological advances of the past five years and present a synthesis of human genomics research on OCD. On balance, reviewed studies demonstrate that OCD is a dimensional trait with a highly polygenic architecture and genetic correlations to multiple, often comorbid psychiatric phenotypes. We discuss the phenotypic and genetic findings of these studies in the context of the dimensional framework, relying on a continuous phenotype definition, and contrast these observations with discoveries based on a categorical diagnostic framework, relying on a dichotomous case/control definition. Finally, we highlight gaps in knowledge and new directions for OCD genetics research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora I Strom
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics (IPPG), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Takahiro Soda
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Carol A Mathews
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lea K Davis
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Ferreira BR, Jafferany M, Misery L. Psychodermatology in the Era of COVID-19. THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND AESTHETIC DERMATOLOGY 2021; 14:S24-S27. [PMID: 34188742 PMCID: PMC8211322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on mental health has been reflected in different populations worldwide. It has caused significant psychopathological consequences in general population, healthcare professionals (e.g., dermatologists), patients with COVID-19, and patients with other diagnoses, including skin diseases. The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in dermatology has long been reported to be at least 30 percent. It is important to investigate the pandemic's impact on comorbid psychosocial and psychopathological symptoms seen in dermatology, including expected short- and long-term mental health consequences. The authors seek to raise awareness among healthcare professionals of the impact that COVID-19 is having on existing psychodermatological conditions and discuss the practical implications of this relationship in dermatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Roque Ferreira
- Dr. Ferreira is with the University of Brest, Laboratoire Interactions Épithéliums-neurones (LIEN) in Brest, France, and with the Department of Dermatology at Centre Hospitalier de Mouscron in Réseau Santé Louvain, Belgium
- Dr. Jafferany is with the Department of Psychiatry at Central Michigan University, in Saginaw, Michigan
- Dr. Misery is with the University of Brest, Laboratoire Interactions Épithéliums-neurones (LIEN) in Brest, France, and is with the Department of Dermatology in Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest in Brest, France
| | - Mohammad Jafferany
- Dr. Ferreira is with the University of Brest, Laboratoire Interactions Épithéliums-neurones (LIEN) in Brest, France, and with the Department of Dermatology at Centre Hospitalier de Mouscron in Réseau Santé Louvain, Belgium
- Dr. Jafferany is with the Department of Psychiatry at Central Michigan University, in Saginaw, Michigan
- Dr. Misery is with the University of Brest, Laboratoire Interactions Épithéliums-neurones (LIEN) in Brest, France, and is with the Department of Dermatology in Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest in Brest, France
| | - Laurent Misery
- Dr. Ferreira is with the University of Brest, Laboratoire Interactions Épithéliums-neurones (LIEN) in Brest, France, and with the Department of Dermatology at Centre Hospitalier de Mouscron in Réseau Santé Louvain, Belgium
- Dr. Jafferany is with the Department of Psychiatry at Central Michigan University, in Saginaw, Michigan
- Dr. Misery is with the University of Brest, Laboratoire Interactions Épithéliums-neurones (LIEN) in Brest, France, and is with the Department of Dermatology in Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest in Brest, France
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