Skip to main content

6 Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors in Children

3 min read

By Debbie McGauran

Body focused repetitive behaviors (or BFRB’s) in children describe a group of frequently repeated behaviors that injure the body but are not classified as self-harm behaviors. They are clustered together with other OCD behaviors. The disorder develops in early puberty and initially affects both sexes equally. In adulthood, more females are afflicted.

With time the behaviors may become so ingrained they occur automatically. Both environmental and genetic factors can contribute to the onset of these behaviors. Stress can also play a role. Some of the behaviors if left untreated can lead to physical or social complications.  Approximately 2.5-percent of the population or 2 million children and adults are affected by this disorder…

 

1. Nail Biting

Also known as onychophagia; compulsive nail biting can result in varying degrees of nail bed damage. This in turn can lead to bleeding, sores, pain and infection.

Closely related to this disorder is dermatophagia, in which an individual bites the skin inside their cheeks and around their nails. Sores and infection can result.

shutterstock_155114144

2. Nose Picking

Also known as rhinotillexomaina, the compulsive urge to pick one’s nose can cause many problems.

In addition to obvious social problems, this disorder can lead to significant damage to the epithelial cells lining the nose and possibly infection.

shutterstock_167161349

3. Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling)

Trichotillomania is a condition in which an individual compulsively pulls hair out of various parts of their body. It’s not limited to scalp hair.

In fact, Trichotillomania and can include eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic area and arms and legs. It is estimated that 10 million North Americans suffer from this disorder.

shutterstock_191297162

4. Trichophagia

This is a disorder characterized by the compulsive urge to eat the hair that an individual has pulled from their body. Hair is not easily digested and if enough is eaten it can form a hairball, known as trichobezoar.

This can cause serious physical problems and require invasive surgery to remove. Another closely related disorder involves the compulsive urge to cut or shave the hair. This is known as tichotemnomania.

shutterstock_327217238

5. Skin Picking

Skin picking is also known as dermatillomania or excoriation disorder. This is a disorder in which an individual experiences compulsive urges to pick at or scrape their skin which results in sores, scabs or infections.

They pick at skin on their face, scalp, hands, feet, arms or legs. This disorder can progress to scab eating disorder, which is socially unacceptable.

shutterstock_370359569

6. Treatment for BFRB’s

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), counselling, and medications have been used to treat this disorder with varying degrees of success.

Doctors who diagnose BFRB’s may also recommend attending peer support groups, which can be found in person and are also available online.

shutterstock_223170520

 

Debbie McGauran

Contributor

Debbie has been a registered nurse for over 25 years with experience in geriatrics, medicine, surgery and mental health. For the past four years, she has practiced as a crisis nurse in the ER. Debbie lives on a farm with her family, two dogs, a cat, and four horses.

Your Health

Explore

Allergy-Proof Your Spring: Tips for Tackling Seasonal Allergies Before They Start
By Clarissa Vanner Your Health

Allergy-Proof Your Spring: Tips for Tackling Seasonal Allergies Before They Start

As spring approaches, so does the dreaded arrival of pollen, dust, and other common allergy triggers. Instead of waiting for symptoms to strike, take proactive steps to minimize exposure and keep sneezing, itching, and congestion at bay. A few simple changes can help allergy-proof your environment and make the season much more enjoyable. Start with […]

Read More about Allergy-Proof Your Spring: Tips for Tackling Seasonal Allergies Before They Start

3 min read

Seasonal Health Reset: How to Refresh Your Wellness Routine for Spring
By Clarissa Vanner Your Health

Seasonal Health Reset: How to Refresh Your Wellness Routine for Spring

As winter fades, spring offers the perfect opportunity to refresh your body and mind. Longer days and warmer weather invite more movement, fresh foods, and revitalizing self-care. A seasonal reset can help boost energy, strengthen immunity, and restore balance after months of cold-weather sluggishness. From clean eating and outdoor exercise to mindfulness and detox practices, […]

Read More about Seasonal Health Reset: How to Refresh Your Wellness Routine for Spring

4 min read

Adjusting to Daylight Saving: How to Prepare for the Time Change Without Losing Sleep
By Clarissa Vanner Your Health

Adjusting to Daylight Saving: How to Prepare for the Time Change Without Losing Sleep

As daylight saving time approaches, many of us struggle with adjusting to the time change, especially when it disrupts our sleep schedule. Losing an hour of sleep can leave us feeling groggy and out of sync, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be a stressful transition. By making small adjustments to your […]

Read More about Adjusting to Daylight Saving: How to Prepare for the Time Change Without Losing Sleep

3 min read