What are Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors?

Written by Cynthia Radnitz, Ph.D.

Most people have never heard the term, “Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors” (BFRBs), even though they might suffer from one of the disorders. BFRBs are frequent and often destructive behaviors targeting skin, hair or nails. The behaviors are excessive (beyond occasionally squeezing a blackhead or over-tweezing eyebrows) to the point where there is damage. Often, the individual feels out of control and cannot stop despite repeated efforts to do so.

According to research, BFRBs occur in 3% of the population. They occur more often in women than in men. Symptoms tend to begin during early adolescence, often with the onset of acne or a different skin condition (for Excoriation Disorder). The etiology is unclear, although there is some evidence of a genetic component and a linkage to OCD.

Trichotillomania (hair pulling) involves excessive plucking or pulling of hairs out of the skin to the extent that bald spots become apparent to others. Most often, hairs on the scalp, brows, and eyelashes are plucked, but pulling can occur in other locations.

Excoriation Disorder (skin picking) usually starts with pimple popping or scab-picking but can progress to more extreme excavation of the skin, resulting in scabbing, discoloration, scarring, and possibly tissue damage and disfigurement.

Onychophagia Disorder (nail biting) is the biting or picking of nails or cuticles beyond the nail bed, resulting in peeling skin and bleeding with the potential for pain and/or infection.

Are you concerned about a Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation; we can discuss the behavior you are experiencing, answer your initial questions, and determine whether our approach may be a good fit.