SAN JOSE & SANTA CRUZBody Focused Repetitive Behaviors Therapy in San Jose & Santa Cruz
Trichotillomania (hair pulling) and Excoriation Disorder (skin picking) are listed in the DSM-V as subtypes of OCD. Hair pulling and skin picking are repetitive self-grooming behaviors in which pulling, picking, biting or scraping of the hair, skin, or nails result in damage to the body. Common BFRBs also include cuticle or nail biting and lip or cheek biting.
At a Glance
- Subtypes
- Trichotillomania, Excoriation Disorder
- Related to
- OCD (correlated, DSM-V subtypes)
- Treated with
- CBT, Habit Reversal Training, Meditation/Mindfulness
- Format
- In-person or telehealth
About Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors
These behaviors share similar characteristics. The urges can be very powerful and difficult to stop. They can be "unconscious" movements while reading, talking on the phone, watching TV, or engaging in some other activity — or there may be times when BFRBs are done in a fully focused way, for example when pulling out a hair that "doesn't feel right" or picking a scab while looking at it in the mirror. Some people engage in BFRBs when bored or to control their emotions when feeling anxious, tense, or upset. Specifics will vary between individuals.
Symptoms of Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling) & Excoriation Disorder (Skin Picking)
Both conditions share a similar pattern: recurrent pulling of hair or picking of skin resulting in hair loss or skin lesions, repeated attempts to decrease or stop the behavior, and clinically significant distress or impairment — including attempts to hide it, avoidance of certain situations, feeling a loss of control, embarrassment, or shame, as well as fear of what others might think if they knew.
What Are the Causes?
There is no one identified cause of BFRBs. They may develop due to a combination of genetic, emotional, and environmental factors. There is a correlation with having OCD, as well as having family members with OCD.
How Can You Treat BFRBs?
Anxiety Treatment Services provides integrative and comprehensive individual therapy for Trichotillomania, Excoriation Disorder, and other body-focused repetitive behaviors. Modalities include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy including Habit Reversal Training (HRT), and Meditation/Mindfulness. Since BFRB issues vary from person to person, ATS therapists evaluate each case and create an individualized treatment plan.
Schedule a free 10-minute phone consultation to discuss your issues with body-focused repetitive behaviors.