Scalp Picking Disorder Quiz
Questions: 15 · 10 minutes
1. What happens when you decide to stop picking or try to reduce it?
I can usually stop, although I occasionally return to it
I continue despite pain, bleeding, or a strong wish to stop
I have not needed to try because I am not picking
I have made repeated attempts but often resume picking
2. Imagine you are getting ready to leave home and have been picking your scalp. What is most likely to happen next?
I am slightly delayed while I check or settle the area
I frequently cancel, arrive very late, or cannot leave because of it
It does not change my plans or timing
I occasionally shorten or change plans because of the picking or its visible effects
3. When a picking episode occurs, how long does it usually last?
About 5 to 30 minutes
I have not had a picking episode
More than 30 minutes, or long enough that I lose track of time
Less than 5 minutes
4. During the past four weeks, how often have you intentionally picked, scratched, squeezed, or dug at spots on your scalp?
On most days or every day
Not at all
About weekly or several times during the month
Once or twice
5. How has picking affected the hair in the areas involved?
There is noticeable thinning or a patch that is becoming easier to see
I have not noticed an effect on my hair
I have a persistent bare area, scarring, or substantial hair loss
I occasionally notice broken or pulled-out strands
6. Which statement best reflects your current need for support around scalp picking?
I would value general strategies, but the situation does not feel pressing
I need prompt help because injury or distress feels unmanageable, or I may harm myself
I am not experiencing an impact and do not currently feel a need for support
I want to arrange professional support because managing this alone has been difficult
7. What is the most significant scalp change you have noticed after picking?
Temporary redness or mild tenderness
Bleeding, a deep wound, or significant pain
No physical change
Scabs, raw areas, or small open spots
8. When picking begins during work, study, rest, or another activity, what effect does it have?
I lose substantial time or struggle to complete what I was doing
It has no effect on my attention or activities
It briefly distracts me, but I return to the activity
It repeatedly interrupts me or takes longer than I intended
9. Which description best matches your urge to pick your scalp?
The urge returns repeatedly and takes deliberate effort to redirect
I have not noticed an urge to pick
The urge feels overpowering, or I start picking before noticing
The urge is mild and usually easy to redirect
10. How has scalp picking affected the way you feel about yourself?
It has not affected how I feel about myself
I experience brief frustration that passes
I repeatedly feel embarrassed, worried, or critical of myself
It causes intense shame, distress, hopelessness, or a sense that I cannot cope
11. When you notice a bump, scab, flake, or uneven spot on your scalp, what typically happens?
I pick briefly and then stop
I notice it but leave it alone
I continue until the skin is broken, painful, or bleeding
I return to the spot several times to make it feel smooth or complete
12. What level of care have scalp areas required because of picking?
Repeated wound care, dressings, or products to manage open areas
No care has been needed
Professional treatment or urgent attention for injury or possible infection
Occasional gentle cleaning or simple care for a minor area
13. Which description best matches any inflammation or possible infection signs around picked areas?
Redness or swelling has spread beyond the original spot
I have noticed none of these signs
I have had pus, fever, red streaks, severe swelling, or severe pain
I have noticed mild, localized warmth, redness, swelling, or tenderness
14. How do picked areas usually heal?
They persist, worsen, drain fluid, or repeatedly fail to close
They heal without being reopened
I have not had picked areas that needed healing
I often reopen them or noticeably delay their healing
15. How has concern about visible scalp areas affected social, hair-care, or medical situations?
I frequently avoid people, hair appointments, or healthcare visits because of it
It has not affected these situations
I have occasionally adjusted my hairstyle or felt self-conscious
I routinely conceal areas or have skipped some situations