Managing Dermatillomania: Strategies Beyond Buspar

Dermatillomania, also known as compulsive skin picking, is a challenging condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. For some individuals, medications such as Buspar (Buspirone) may not provide sufficient relief. In such cases, it is essential to explore alternative strategies and treatments to effectively manage this disorder.

Consulting Your Doctor

If you find that Buspar is not effective in controlling your dermatillomania, it is crucial to communicate this to your doctor. By discussing the medication's failure, you can explore other treatment options that might be more suitable for your specific needs. Your doctor may recommend a different medication, such as Klonopin (Clonazepam), which is often safer and more effective for managing dermatillomania compared to benzodiazepines.

Self-Reminders and Discipline

Implementing self-reminders and maintaining discipline can be highly effective in managing dermatillomania. Here are some strategies:

Self-Reflection: When you feel the urge to pick your skin, remind yourself to stop with the sentence: "Stop you fuckin dumbass, you know you'll only see it as worse afterwards; stop now. STOP NOW." Consistently repeating this sentence can help you break the cycle. Visual Cues: Create visual reminders by placing signs or notes around your home or workspace. These signs can act as non-intrusive prompts to remind you to stop picking your skin. Although these reminders don't work in the moment, they can help you remember to say the self-restraint phrase. Daily Alarms: Set a daily alarm at the same time every day to remind yourself why you need to stop picking your skin and the benefits of doing so. This routine can help reinforce the habit of breaking the compulsive behavior. Outreach: If you find yourself picking your skin frequently, consider speaking out loud to remind yourself to stop. This method can be particularly helpful if you need to take a step back and pause the behavior.

These strategies can be particularly useful for frequent episodes, such as once a month, where you might otherwise forget to remind yourself to stop.

Seeking Professional Help

It's important to consult your doctor or a psychiatrist about any medication that is not working. A healthcare professional can evaluate your condition and potentially prescribe a more effective treatment, such as Klonopin or other medications tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, they may recommend therapy, such as habit reversal training, which involves identifying triggers and developing strategies to avoid or manage them.

For more intense cases, some individuals may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist or seeking treatment at a Residential Treatment Program. Programs like S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) offer comprehensive treatments, including habit reversal techniques and trauma therapy. Although S.A.F.E. may not have a residential program currently, similar programs or alternatives can provide similar support.

Conclusion

Managing dermatillomania requires a combination of self-discipline, medication, and professional support. By communicating with your doctor, implementing self-reminders, and seeking appropriate treatment, you can effectively manage your condition and improve your quality of life.