American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Excoriation disorder, also known as skin-picking disorder, is specifically characterized by recurrent skin picking that results in skin lesions and significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. This diagnosis falls under the category of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Individuals with excoriation disorder often engage in the behavior as a means of coping with anxiety or stress, and this compulsive behavior can lead to noticeable damage to the skin, which may further exacerbate feelings of shame or distress. The focus on the act of skin picking and its consequences, such as scarring or infections, distinctly classifies this condition.

While other options mention disorders associated with anxiety or body image, they do not specifically capture the key components of skin picking behavior, its repetitive nature, and the resulting distress and functional impairment directly related to that behavior. Thus, excoriation disorder is the most fitting diagnosis for someone experiencing significant distress and impairment due to skin picking.