How is Dermatillomania diagnosed?

It is diagnosed by a family doctor, dermatologist, or psychiatrist. The diagnosis is made by visual observation of the condition of the skin as well as the patient discussing their picking habits. It is important for a person with Dermatillomania to be in treatment with a therapist as well as a physician for proper skin care.

Dermatillomania is diagnosed using the latest DSM-V definition of excoriation disorder and by ruling out certain other conditions.

To be diagnosed the condition can not be caused by recreational drug use or alcohol use. This is a separate condition. It cannot be caused by a psychotic episode or otherwise be explained by another mental disorder. If the skin picking is deliberately done to cause harm, it is classified as self-harm and not dermatillomania.

Many people pick at their skin. Most do not have dermatillomania. Dermatillomania is defined as a compulsive need to pick at the skin that has caused "clinically significant stress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of function."

Dermatillomania can be diagnosed by your doctor. Many people see a licensed therapist and/or a dermatologist for treatment. Some people are given a written or oral test asking about the impact of their picking to determine the best diagnosis or treatment options.

By a psychologist or dermatologist