Patchy evidence in skin-picking disorder supports management with combined behavioural and drug treatments

Skin-picking disorder (SPD) is a common, repetitive, compulsive and distressing disorder with significant psychosocial effects. Data from relatively few clinical trials support behavioural therapies, especially habit-reversal therapy, as the first-line treatment. Depending on the individual's SPD style and comorbidities, augmenting habit-reversal therapy with other behavioural therapies or pharmacological options, particularly glutamatergic modulators or specific serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, may enhance treatment outcomes.