What is the history of Dermatillomania?

Dermatillomania, also known as excoriation disorder or skin picking disorder, is a psychological condition characterized by the repetitive picking, scratching, or picking at one's own skin, resulting in skin lesions and tissue damage. This compulsive behavior is often driven by an intense urge to remove perceived imperfections or irregularities on the skin.

The history of dermatillomania can be traced back to ancient times, although it was not officially recognized as a distinct disorder until relatively recently. Here is a brief overview of the historical development of dermatillomania:

Ancient Times:

The earliest recorded instances of skin picking can be found in ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt, for example, there are accounts of individuals engaging in self-injurious behaviors such as scratching and picking at their skin. These behaviors were often associated with religious or spiritual beliefs, and were believed to have therapeutic or purifying effects.

19th Century:

During the 19th century, dermatillomania began to be recognized as a distinct psychological condition. French dermatologist Dr. Louis-Anne-Jean Brocq was one of the first to describe the disorder in medical literature. He referred to it as "neurotic excoriation" and noted that it primarily affected women.

20th Century:

In the early 20th century, dermatillomania continued to gain recognition within the medical community. However, it was often viewed as a symptom of other underlying psychiatric disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).

It wasn't until the late 20th century that dermatillomania began to be recognized as a distinct disorder in its own right. In 1994, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) included dermatillomania as a subtype of OCD. This classification helped raise awareness about the condition and led to further research into its causes and treatment options.

21st Century:

In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of dermatillomania as a separate disorder with its own unique characteristics. In 2013, the DSM-5 reclassified dermatillomania as a separate disorder called "excoriation (skin-picking) disorder." This change reflected the increasing recognition of the condition as distinct from OCD.

Research into the causes and treatment of dermatillomania has also expanded in the 21st century. Studies have suggested that the disorder may be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have shown promise in the treatment of dermatillomania.

In conclusion, dermatillomania has a long history, with accounts of skin picking behaviors dating back to ancient times. It has evolved from being viewed as a religious or spiritual practice to being recognized as a distinct psychological disorder. The reclassification of dermatillomania in the DSM-5 has helped raise awareness and promote further research into this condition, leading to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals affected by dermatillomania.