Serving the community since 1999

Specializing in OCD and related conditions

In-Person and Online Therapy
Individual & Group Therapy

Specializing in the Treatment of OCD,
Dermatillomania / Skin Picking Disorder,
And Related Conditions

 

Dermatillomania / Skin Picking Disorder Test

Dermatillomania / Skin Picking Disorder is the repetitive picking at one’s own skin to the extent of causing damage. The OCD Center of Los Angeles offers this free and confidential test to help you get a better idea of whether or not you are exhibiting signs of Dermatillomania / Skin Picking Disorder. Simply check those items that apply to you, and email the test to us using the simple form below. While this questionnaire is not meant to replace a thorough evaluation, it may help in identifying traits of Dermatillomania / Skin Picking Disorder.


1.  I pick skin on my face.


2.  I pick skin on my back and/or shoulders.


3.  I pick skin on my arms and/or legs.


4.  I pick skin in my pubic area.


5.  I pick skin elsewhere on my body.


6.  I sometimes use specific implements (tweezers, pins, needles, etc.) to pick my skin.


7.  I sometimes eat the skin that I pick.


8.  I often pick my skin when I am anxious and/or depressed.


9.  I often pick my skin when I am bored.


10.  I often pick my skin when I am engaged in other activities (i.e., watching TV, talking on the phone, using the computer, at a movie theatre, during class, while driving).


11.  I am often not aware that I am picking my skin, and only realize it after some time has passed.


12. I have noticeable scabs, sores, or scarring where I pick my skin.


13.  I use hats, make-up, and/or clothing to camouflage my skin.


14.  I sometimes avoid going out because I am embarrassed or ashamed about my skin.


15.  I often pick in the morning before work/school.


16.   I often pick at night before bed.


17.  Prior to, or during a skin picking episode, I often feel a sense of tension, itching, tingling, or pressure?


18.  I often feel powerless to resist the urge to pick my skin.


19.  I get a sense of relief, gratification, and/or pleasure when I pick my skin.


20.  I also pull my hair to the point of having noticeable bald spots.


21.  I also do other self-damaging behaviors (i.e., cutting, burning, head banging).


22.  I am significantly distressed, anxious, and/or depressed about my skin picking.


23.  My skin picking is interfering with my relationships and/or with my academic or professional functioning.


24. I spend  hours per day picking at my skin.


25. The following are the areas of my body which I most frequently pick:


*Country

Please note: By sending this email, you are agreeing to be contacted by the OCD Center of Los Angeles. We respect your privacy and confidentiality and we will never share, sell, rent, loan, or give away your name, email address, or any other personal information to anyone.

If you would like more information regarding Dermatillomania / Skin Picking Disorder, individual therapy, group therapy, telephone or online therapy, or intensive treatment at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, you can call us at (310) 824-5200, or click here to email us.


This questionnaire was developed partly on the basis of clinical experience of staff therapists at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, and partly as an adaptation of various pre-existing psychometric measures, including the questionnaire in Help For Hair Pullers by Nancy Keuthen, PhD, Dan Stein, MD, and Gary Christenson, MD. (New Harbinger Publications – 2001). Please note that the above test is not meant to replace a complete and thorough evaluation by a licensed Cognitive-Behavioral therapist or other qualified mental health professional. Some people may benefit from medication, and may therefore benefit from a psychiatric evaluation. Likewise, a psychiatric assessment may be necessary to differentiate between Dermatillomania / Skin Picking Disorder and other psychological conditions. If an evaluation is indicated, the OCD Center of Los Angeles can refer you to a qualified psychiatrist in our area. Furthermore, it is imperative to make the distinction between Dermatillomania / Skin Picking Disorder and other medical conditions. For this reason, a medical examination may be a necessary part of Dermatillomania / Skin Picking Disorder treatment.

    

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