Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Bloch, M. R. Articles by Koran, L. M. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Bloch, M. R. Articles by Koran, L. M. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Fluoxetine in Pathologic Skin-Picking

Open-Label and Double-Blind Results

Received September 12, 2000; revised February 13, 2001; accepted February 23, 2001. From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA. Address reprint requests to Dr. Bloch, 3433 Golden Gate Way, Suite 1A, Lafayette, CA 94549. E-mail: _rloch{at}excite.com

Various studies suggest that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be useful in treating pathologic skin-picking. The authors investigated the effectiveness of fluoxetine in treating this behavior. Fifteen subjects with clinically significant skin-picking were recruited by newspaper advertisement. They received 6 weeks of open-label treatment with fluoxetine. Responders were then randomized to 6 weeks of double-blind fluoxetine or placebo. Treatment effect was assessed with standardized rating scales. All 15 subjects completed open-label treatment, and 8 were responders. Of these eight, the four randomized to double-blind fluoxetine maintained clinically significant improvement. The four randomized to placebo returned to their baseline symptom level. Larger studies are needed to determine which individuals are likely to respond to fluoxetine and the relative effectiveness of fluoxetine, other SSRIs, and other forms of treatment.

Key Words: Fluoxetine • Skin-Picking

This article has been cited by other articles:

				C. A. Flessner, A. M. Busch, P. W. Heideman, and D. W. Woods Acceptance-Enhanced Behavior Therapy (AEBT) for Trichotillomania and Chronic Skin Picking: Exploring the Effects of Component Sequencing Behav Modif, September 1, 2008; 32(5): 579 - 594. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R. J. Shaw, S. Dayal, J. Good, A. L. Bruckner, and S. V. Joshi Psychiatric Medications for the Treatment of Pruritus Psychosom Med, November 1, 2007; 69(9): 970 - 978. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. A. Flessner and D. W. Woods Phenomenological characteristics, social problems, and the economic impact associated with chronic skin picking. Behav Modif, November 1, 2006; 30(6): 944 - 963. [Abstract] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2001 Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us