QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
A couple of years ago, I saw a TV show about a condition where the person's hands act of their own volition - they actually tried to choke the person. I don't have the exact same thing but my right hand repeatedly scratches my scalp, cutting small "sores" there which I pick at later. I have done this since age 12 (I am 55 now). Over and over again, I have tried to stop this, even cutting my nails short, sitting on my hand, etc. but the hand seems to have a mind of its own.
I suffer from depression, and currently take 100 mg per day of Wellbutrin. I have also tried Serzone and Zoloft, but none of these helped at all with the condition, although they help my depression. I am desperate for something to help.
Thank you.
ANSWER:
The most common causes are the obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and BPD
self-mutilation (which temporarily stops dysphoria (anxiety, rage, depression and
despair). Both of these conditions are worsened by increased anxiety, such as the
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. Treating all the disorders
comprehensively is necessary, and then the psychotherapy can be helpful.
The
screening test I use for my patients can be of immense
help to you in searching for the diagnoses. They all have to be medically treated for the
person to do well.
