Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder is characterized by what behavior?

Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder is accurately characterized by the compulsive picking of the skin, which can result in lesions and significant distress or impairment in functioning. Individuals with this disorder frequently feel a strong urge or tension before engaging in the skin-picking behavior, and relief is often experienced after they pick at their skin. This behavior may result in noticeable damage to the skin, and individuals might struggle to control or stop the picking, even when they recognize that it's causing harm.

The other options describe behaviors associated with different conditions. For instance, repetitive hair pulling leading to bald patches is indicative of Trichotillomania, while obsessive checking of one’s appearance relates more to Body Dysmorphic Disorder. The difficulty in discarding personal items pertains to Hoarding Disorder. Each of these disorders has its distinct patterns and diagnostic criteria, which separates them from the characteristics of Excoriation Disorder.