While it is sometimes difficult to ascertain the motive of an obsessive picking disorder, if it is done through appearance concerns and is performed to try and make the skin appear clearer, it is probably the result of a body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
For instance, people who pick at skin in order to remove blemishes and make their skin smooth are most likely to possess a dysmorphic body disorder, whereas people who pick at skin to cleanse may have an obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
A BDD disorder is a distorted body-image disorder characterized by preoccupations with a conceived or slight flaw in one's appearance.
In reality, the perceived flaw is usually non-existent or highly exaggerated.
But for someone with BDD disorder, the flaw is significant and prominent, often causing intense emotional anguish making everyday life difficult.
Some characteristics displayed by a dysmorphic body disorder sufferer are - depression, anxiety and panic attacks, withdrawing from friends and family, having a very low self-esteem, feeling self-conscious around other people, missing work or school, struggling to concentrate, canceling appointments, seeking cosmetic surgery.
BDD disorder sufferers routines often include - frequently checking certain body parts perceived to be flawed, repeatedly checking in mirrors, compulsively picking at face and skin-touching, attempting to hide their flaws, constantly comparing their appearance to others.
Self Help Tips 1.
Avoid mirrors.
Put a note on them saying 'STOP' and just walk away, concentrate on something else.
2.
Time yourself.
If you have to use a mirror make a rule that you will only spend five minutes in front of it at any one time.
3.
Cover up.
Keep your problem areas covered as much as possible to take your mind off obsessive picking.
4.
Tell someone.
Tell your friends and family about your goals and get their support and encouragement.
5.
Reward yourself.
Mark on a calendar for each day you 'stop face picking', after 7 consecutive days give yourself a treat.
6.
Make a list.
Write down how it is affecting you and how your life will change for the better when you stop face picking, read and visualize it to yourself everyday.
7.
Look after yourself.
Get ample sleep, eat nutritiously and exercise regularly.
Being strong and active builds a healthy body image and helps you to achieve your goals.
8.
Think positively about yourself.
Learn how to re-direct your negative thoughts to something else.
Shift your focus to your strengths and positive qualities.
9.
Ignore the lies the advertising media, television and magazines tell you about how we should look, they are targeting our dissatisfaction and our money.
10.
Body Image Facts.
Stop comparing yourself to other people.
Particularly images of models and film stars.
Remember the images you see are false.
They are airbrushed to get rid of hairs, spots and blemishes.
Some models have even said they do not recognize themselves on these retouched photographs.
11.
Remember nobody is perfect.
The more we learn about BDD disorder and obsessive picking disorder, the more breakthrough treatments are becoming available, offering permanent results without the need for medication or expensive therapy.
For instance, people who pick at skin in order to remove blemishes and make their skin smooth are most likely to possess a dysmorphic body disorder, whereas people who pick at skin to cleanse may have an obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
A BDD disorder is a distorted body-image disorder characterized by preoccupations with a conceived or slight flaw in one's appearance.
In reality, the perceived flaw is usually non-existent or highly exaggerated.
But for someone with BDD disorder, the flaw is significant and prominent, often causing intense emotional anguish making everyday life difficult.
Some characteristics displayed by a dysmorphic body disorder sufferer are - depression, anxiety and panic attacks, withdrawing from friends and family, having a very low self-esteem, feeling self-conscious around other people, missing work or school, struggling to concentrate, canceling appointments, seeking cosmetic surgery.
BDD disorder sufferers routines often include - frequently checking certain body parts perceived to be flawed, repeatedly checking in mirrors, compulsively picking at face and skin-touching, attempting to hide their flaws, constantly comparing their appearance to others.
Self Help Tips 1.
Avoid mirrors.
Put a note on them saying 'STOP' and just walk away, concentrate on something else.
2.
Time yourself.
If you have to use a mirror make a rule that you will only spend five minutes in front of it at any one time.
3.
Cover up.
Keep your problem areas covered as much as possible to take your mind off obsessive picking.
4.
Tell someone.
Tell your friends and family about your goals and get their support and encouragement.
5.
Reward yourself.
Mark on a calendar for each day you 'stop face picking', after 7 consecutive days give yourself a treat.
6.
Make a list.
Write down how it is affecting you and how your life will change for the better when you stop face picking, read and visualize it to yourself everyday.
7.
Look after yourself.
Get ample sleep, eat nutritiously and exercise regularly.
Being strong and active builds a healthy body image and helps you to achieve your goals.
8.
Think positively about yourself.
Learn how to re-direct your negative thoughts to something else.
Shift your focus to your strengths and positive qualities.
9.
Ignore the lies the advertising media, television and magazines tell you about how we should look, they are targeting our dissatisfaction and our money.
10.
Body Image Facts.
Stop comparing yourself to other people.
Particularly images of models and film stars.
Remember the images you see are false.
They are airbrushed to get rid of hairs, spots and blemishes.
Some models have even said they do not recognize themselves on these retouched photographs.
11.
Remember nobody is perfect.
The more we learn about BDD disorder and obsessive picking disorder, the more breakthrough treatments are becoming available, offering permanent results without the need for medication or expensive therapy.
Source...