Courtesy of Super Chicken Stock

Peeling wallpaper is one thing, but some of us take it to another level. Studies have proven that 2-4.5% of college students (with women being worse than men) are pickers. It can be associated with a few psychiatric disorders known as Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Body Dismorphic disorder. Similar problems include cheek biting and hair pulling. None of this is particularly fun for the person afflicted, so what to do? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been shown to be the best but it’s hard to get access to and is not covered by OHIP.  SSRI’s (ex. Prozac) have had some success in a few small studies, but you’re best bet is to check online first at: www.stoppicking.com. This has had a 63% response rate (not cure) and costs $30/month to do. It requires diligence, but then again, so does any behavioural change. If only your job was stripping wallpaper, eh?

– The Veterinarian.