Inositol

Inositol is a naturally occurring member of the Vitamin B family of chemical compounds — in this case B8. It has proven clinically effective in treating psychological disorders associated with compulsive finger picking and compulsive skin picking.

Similar to the drug Lamotrigine, which was initially used to treat severe bi-polar disorder but later found success treating dermatillomania — Inositol was also first explored for bi-polar disorder and acute depression. But success was shown treating obsessive compulsive disorder as well — which often accompanies the finger picking habit.

Inositol’s “special sauce” is in the residue of its broken down structure in the body — serotonin. Increased serotonin activity in the brain is literally mind-altering. New, clearer ways of thinking can be unleashed. More importantly for the person suffering from an impulse control disorder such as compulsive picking, destructive old ways of thinking — together with the actions associated with them — can vanish without a trace, or at least be substantially reduced.

When used in conjunction with appropriate psychological treatment such as Cognitive Therapy or Behavior Modification — or the combination of both of these: cognitive behavioral therapy — peace of mind and body can be achieved.