Body focussed repetitive behaviours

Compulsive behaviours:

Body-focused repetitive behaviors may include any repetitive self-grooming behavior that involves biting, pulling, picking, or scraping one’s own hair, skin, or nails that results in damage to the body. While most people engage in one or some of these behaviors to a certain degree, an individual may want to seek help and support if the behavior begins to limit their life in some way, feels out of control, causes physical damage, or is causing social impact.

Some of the common disorders are:

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Trichotillomania – (hair pulling) is characterised by the repetitive pulling out of one’s hair. Research indicates that about 1 or 2 in 50 people experience trichotillomania in their lifetime. It usually begins in late childhood/early puberty. In childhood, it occurs about equally in boys and girls. By adulthood, 80-90% of reported cases are women. Hair pulling varies greatly in its severity, location on the body, and response to treatment. Without treatment, trichotillomania tends to be a chronic condition; that may come and go throughout a lifetime.

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Dermatophagia – (skin eating) often occurs amongst patients with onychophagia. Dermatophagia behaviors include biting the cuticles or fingers, and digesting scabs or skin (usually as a result of skin picking disorder). Oftentimes, lip, cheek, and tongue biting are also considered dermatophagia.

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Dermatillomania (Skin Picking) – Dermatillomania, also known as skin picking disorder or excoriation disorder, is a mental health condition where you compulsively pick at your skin. This can cause injuries, infections and scarring, leading to stress, anxiety and a reduced sense of well-being. This condition is often treatable with a combination of medication and therapy.