Q:
Hi Doc-
I'm currently and have been on anti-depressants for many years for depression. For years, I have been a scab picker; I don't intentionally give myself wounds or anything, but when I get a cut and a scab, I pick it, which makes it so that I get scars and the cuts don't heal for a long time. I also pick at my fingers every day which leads to them being raw and bleeding sometimes. I also bite and pick at my lips. What can I do to stop this? I try and make myself stop, but it's harder than it sounds!
A:
This is a common obsessive compulsive disorder and can be successfully treated with appropriate medications at significantly higher doses than are used just for mood disorders like depression. You can talk with your prescribing provider about your concerns or you are welcome to make an appointment with one of our mental health providers at the clinic to discuss the medication and dosages that might help.
~The Doc
