Marika regularly shows up at school with bandages on her arm. When her friends ask her why she has a new one, she dodges the question and just says, "Oh I got a small cut." She is regularly seen playing with the bandages, and one day one of her friends was sure she saw Marika actually picking at her own skin in the same area of her arm. Which problem may Marika be challenged by?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Marika's behavior of repeatedly applying bandages and picking at her skin in the same area suggests that she may be struggling with excoriation or skin-picking disorder. This condition involves recurrent picking at one's skin, which can lead to tissue damage and scarring. The fact that Marika seems to be covering up her behavior and minimizing her injuries also suggests that she may feel ashamed or embarrassed about her actions. Trichotillomania involves recurrent hair-pulling and is not consistent with Marika's symptoms. Body dysmorphic disorder involves persistent preoccupation with perceived flaws in one's appearance, which is not evident in this scenario. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) typically involves repetitive, ritualistic behaviors that are driven by fear or anxiety, which does not fit Marika's behavior.

Marika Regularly Shows Up at School with Bandages on Her