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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Compulsive Scalp Picking Be Treated?

Hi, I pick my scalp and have been doing this for about a year, I want to stop but it is so addictive! I have no medical history other than that I might have depression, I self harm and picking my scalp is one of them. I have scabs, and I know that I should stop, but it is very hard and I need some help.
Thu, 2 Feb 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It can be very difficult to discontinue obsessive behaviors. It would require both medication and counselling to learn skills to change behavior.

The medication and counselling may be needed to be continued for a prolonged period of time but after your symptoms improve, they may be discontinued.

The counselling may be cognitive behavioral therapy which focuses on changing ideas/beliefs and perceptions that may affect behavior.
It would also teach coping mechanisms to deal with stressful situations.

Your doctor may be able to refer you to someone or if you already have a psychiatrist, he or she may be able to teach relaxtion techniques.

I hope this helps
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How Can Compulsive Scalp Picking Be Treated?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It can be very difficult to discontinue obsessive behaviors. It would require both medication and counselling to learn skills to change behavior. The medication and counselling may be needed to be continued for a prolonged period of time but after your symptoms improve, they may be discontinued. The counselling may be cognitive behavioral therapy which focuses on changing ideas/beliefs and perceptions that may affect behavior. It would also teach coping mechanisms to deal with stressful situations. Your doctor may be able to refer you to someone or if you already have a psychiatrist, he or she may be able to teach relaxtion techniques. I hope this helps