Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder in DSM-5 is characterized by which core feature?

Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder in DSM-5 is characterized by which core feature?

• A. Recurrent skin picking leading to skin lesions or tissue damage
• B. Recurrent hair pulling resulting in thinning hair
• C. Recurrent nail biting causing infections
• D. Obsessional washing of hands until skin damage

Answer: (A)

Excoriation Disorder centers on a repetitive behavior—picking at the skin—that consistently leads to skin lesions or tissue damage. The defining feature is not just the urge to pick, but the actual physical consequence of that behavior and the associated distress or impairment, with attempts to stop often recurring. This distinguishes it from similar body-focused behaviors: hair pulling creates hair thinning (trichotillomania), nail biting causes damage to nails, and excessive hand washing is more aligned with OCD-type cleaning rituals. So, the hallmark is recurrent skin picking resulting in lesions or tissue damage.

Excoriation Disorder centers on a repetitive behavior—picking at the skin—that consistently leads to skin lesions or tissue damage. The defining feature is not just the urge to pick, but the actual physical consequence of that behavior and the associated distress or impairment, with attempts to stop often recurring. This distinguishes it from similar body-focused behaviors: hair pulling creates hair thinning (trichotillomania), nail biting causes damage to nails, and excessive hand washing is more aligned with OCD-type cleaning rituals. So, the hallmark is recurrent skin picking resulting in lesions or tissue damage.