Finger Picking

I am so happy to have found this page because I have been picking since I can remember. I used to only pick my nails as low as possible, but ever since high school, and especially in college, I have begun picking all of the skin around around my nails as well. I now do it unconsciously, as my boyfriend will tell me to stop picking when I don't even realize that I do it. It is becoming a problem, not only by annoying him, but also because of my future career. I am now 20 years old and begin graduate school for physical therapy in the fall, a profession in which I have to touch patients constantly. My fingers are so rough, and thumbs are beginning to become scarred. I have heard that this may be dermatillomania, or even a type of anxiety disorder. I also have had a stutter since I was in the 6th grade, and while it is better now, I still stutter on silly words and phrases, even my name. I wonder if this is all tied into an anxiety disorder? If so or if not what can I do to stop it???? Any advice welcome! Sara