A comparison of clinical vs subclinical skin pickers in Israel
Keuthen, N.J.; Curley, E.E.; Tung, E.S.; Ittah, K.; Qasem, A.; Murad, S.; Odlaug, B.L.; Leibovici, V.
Annals of Clinical Psychiatry Official Journal of the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists 28(2): 98-104
2016
ISSN/ISBN: 1547-3325 PMID: 27285390 Document Number: 686639
Skin-picking disorder (SPD) was recognized as its own entity for the first time in DSM-5. The existing SPD literature is limited and, to date, no study has examined the differences between clinical and sub- clinical SPD. Identifying differences between these 2 groups may improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment, and prevention efforts. Israeli adults (N = 4,325) from 2 previous studies were examined for the presence of clinical and subclinical SPD. Individuals with clinical SPD (n = 150) vs subclinical SPD (n = 219) were compared on skin-picking characteristics, psychological phenomena, and clinical correlates. There were many similarities between clinical and subclinical skin pickers. Individuals with clinical SPD, however, had more severe skin picking, greater associated functional impairment, greater perceived stress, and greater depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and were also more likely to have a first-degree relative with SPD. This study suggests that although there are some similarities between clinical and subclinical SPD, there also are distinct differences in the clinical presentation. Understanding these differences may be an important factor in treatment and prevention planning.