JOURNAL ARTICLE

A systematic review of nonpharmacological treatment options for skin picking disorder.

  • Published In: Clinical & Experimental Dermatology, 2025, v. 50, n. 2. P. 299 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Loftus, Harrison; Cassidy, Caroline; Mun, Lisa; Jafferany, Mohammad 3 of 3

Abstract

This article reviews recent nonpharmacological treatments for skin picking disorder (SPD), a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by repetitive skin manipulation leading to lesions and significant distress. The review of studies from 2017 to 2023 identifies cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), habit reversal therapy (HRT), acceptance and commitment therapy-enhanced group behavioural therapy (AE-GBT), online self-help modules, and expressive writing (EW) as the most effective interventions for reducing SPD symptoms. While repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) showed some short-term improvement, evidence remains inconclusive. The article highlights the importance of tailoring treatments to individual needs, considering psychiatric comorbidities and socioeconomic factors, and notes that online therapies may improve accessibility despite challenges with adherence.

Additional Information

  • Source:Clinical & Experimental Dermatology. 2025/02, Vol. 50, Issue 2, p299
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0307-6938
  • DOI:10.1093/ced/llae366
  • Accession Number:182905036
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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