What works.

[Me2]

I posted this under "A nightmare". But, I wanted to get more people to read it, so I am posting it again here.

I have found a medication that actually helps! It is called Seroquel. There is another medicine like it called Risperidol that works for others. I have been picking for 18 years and this is the first time I have felt even close to normal. My psychiatrist feels that CSP is a combination of OCD and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. That is why Seroquel (an atypical antipsychotic) works. Many skin pickers have a semi delusional idea that something is very wrong with their skin, and they must deal with it. We all have the odd black head, etcetera, but we can't convince ourselves that they are normal and will go away on their own.

It took me a long time to try this medicine. I was afraid of the label "antipsychotic". Skin pickers are not psychotic, but many of us, I believe, have unrealistic ideas about our skin.

At the psychiatrist's I always have to fill out a diagnostic questionaire for OCD. I usually come in at "Severe". Yesterday, I was "mild". I am now able to go into the bathroom and decide not to pick, or sometimes, it doesn't even cross my mind. I am not completely perfect yet, but I am doing so much better.

I first heard about Seroquel from a board member called Moon. Do a search on her name and you will see what she has to say about Seroquel.

[Me2]

Hi guys!

I am really enjoying my newfound freedom from constant picking. I actually was able to pluck my brows and do a facial without picking at one spot! I was so proud, I could hardly beilieve it. I am getting more housework done. Before, I could hardly complete anything that there was pressure to do. The pressure would make me pick, and thus not do work, and then there would be more pressure because I ha not done what I planned to do!

This is the first end of semester in my 2 years of college that I haven't felt like jumping off my balcony. I usually have felt like I had no business being in school, and certainly not studying psychology and social work. In the past, I have always been late on assignments, which has effected the way I was viewed by my professors and peers. This term, I finished along with everyone else.

I am graduating from my certificate in social service work tomorrow, although I still have 5 weeeks of practicum at a local alternative program at a highschool. My skin is looking good, although it isn't quite healed on my arms and legs yet. I don't need foundation on my face at all. It's clear!

I am posting this so that others can see that there is hope. For years, I thought that there wasn't. I am still not perfect. I pick a little bit each day. But, it is not interfearing with my life anymore, and I am beginning to heal. My psychiatrist says that CBT at this point in my recovery is much more likely to help than it was when I was severe (which most of us on this board are).

Go to a psychiatrist. Get drugs. You would cast your arm if it was broken, wouldn't you?

Love you guys,

Fay

[lauryn]

i took risperdal but i continnued to pick. i find that if i treat my picking internally via vitamins and supplements there is less for me to pick at. im also a big fan of products.