Onset of Dermatillomania after Treatment with Methylphenidate in a Child with ADHD: A Case Report

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Dermatillomania, or skin picking disorder, is a behavioral condition often associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Studies have shown that methylphenidate (MPH), a common treatment for ADHD, may induce obsessive-compulsive behaviors, including skin picking. In this report, we describe the case of a 15-year-old patient who developed dermatillomania a few weeks after starting MPH for ADHD. Despite discontinuation of MPH, the symptoms persisted and improved only with the addition of escitalopram, highlighting a potential link between MPH use and the emergence of dermatillomania.