Question

Susan reports to her primary care physician that she regularly picks at her skin, resulting in scabbing and scarring. She has tried to stop repeatedly but has not been successful. She often misses days of school because of scabs on her face from picking. Her most likely diagnosis is:

A. Excoriation disorder
B. Trichotillomania
C. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
D. Cocaine use
E. Ichthyosis vulgaris

Answer 1

Susan likely suffers from Excoriation disorder, a mental health condition characterized by repetitive skin picking that leads to skin lesions and impairments in daily functioning.

Step-by-step explanation:

The condition described where Susan reports that she regularly picks at her skin, leading to scabbing and scarring, despite trying to stop and even missing school due to this behavior, is most likely Excoriation disorder.

This disorder is characterized by repeated skin picking resulting in skin lesions and significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning.

It is different from other skin conditions like eczema or acne, which are inflammatory or infection-based, respectively. Excoriation disorder is a mental health condition often related to obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders.

Therefore, the correct diagnosis in Susan's case, based on the symptoms provided, would be A. Excoriation disorder.