Excoriation Disorder is more commonly known as a skin-picking disorder. Its onset varies from person to person but most often begins during early adolescence or in the ages of 30-45 years old (Grant, et al. 2021). Other characteristic symptoms include skin-picking which results in skin lesions in an attempt to alleviate experiences of anxiety, distress, and impulsivity. It also includes efforts to stop skin-picking itself.
The treatment for Excoriation Disorder mostly includes evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and habit reversal training along with medications that address anxiety symptoms (Capprioti, et al. 2015, Kress & Paylo, 2015).
There are possible ways that an individual can reduce anxiety even in 10 seconds. The following are considered coping strategies/grounding techniques for people who experience anxiety symptoms and skin-picking which mainly focuses on the:
Things you can see
Things you can feel
Things you can hear
Things you can taste
Things you can smell
Being mindful on the things you experience in the moment can help to alleviate these experiences.
Capriotti, M. R., Ely, L. J., Snorrason, I., & Woods, D. W. (2015). Acceptance-enhanced behavior therapy for excoriation (skin-picking) disorder in adults: A clinical case series. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 22(2), 230-239
Grant, J. E., Odlaug, B. L., Chamberlain, S. R., Keuthen, N. J., Lochner, C., & Stein, D. J. (2012). Skin picking disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 169, 1143–1149.
Stargell, N., Kress, V., Paylo, M. & Zins, A. (2016) Excoriation Disorder: Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment. The Professional Counselor Volume 6, Issue 1, Pages 50–60