Excoriation disorder: Etiopathogenesis, prevalence, symptoms, treatment

Research objective: The objective of the study is to present a comprehensive overview of excoriation disorder (skin picking disorder), including its etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, prevalence, and available treatment options, while highlighting the significance of its recent classification in ICD-11. Methodology: his article is a narrative literature review based on current knowledge and research concerning excoriation disorder. The analysis focuses on the clinical features, psychological underpinnings, and therapeutic strategies, drawing from recent studies, clinical guidelines, and classification updates. Main conclusions: Excoriation disorder is a multifaceted and often underdiagnosed psychiatric condition linked to obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. Its inclusion in ICD-11 has contributed to heightened clinical awareness and stimulated further research. Effective treatment combines behavioral therapy—particularly habit reversal training—with pharmacological agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and N-acetylcysteine. Continued research is essential to optimize therapeutic approaches and improve patient outcomes. Application of the study: The findings can be applied in clinical psychiatry, dermatology, and psychology by guiding diagnostic practices and informing multidisciplinary treatment strategies for individuals suffering from skin picking disorder. Originality/Novelty of the study: The study underscores the clinical and diagnostic significance of the recent inclusion of excoriation disorder in ICD-11 and provides an up-to-date synthesis of therapeutic approaches. It highlights the evolving understanding of the disorder and its implications for future research and patient care.