Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) are a group of self-grooming actions that, rather than actually grooming the body, harm it. For instance, BFRBs include nail biting, skin picking, or finger cracking.
Although individuals may not recognize that they are unintentionally hurting their bodies, these repetitive behaviors can prove to be dangerous if left unchecked. Consider body-focused repetitive behaviors treatment to help prevent you from harming your body with repetitive behaviors.
How Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors Are Categorized
Although BFRBs are harmful to the body, they are not considered a form of self-harm. Instead, BFRBs are sometimes labelled as behaviors associated with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or impulse control disorder (ICD).
BFRBs can harm the skin and pose physical dangers. For instance, BFRBs can lead to skin infections, hair loss, or scarring. Unlike certain obsessive-compulsive related disorders (OCRDs), individuals derive pleasure from the repetitive behavior instead of feeling harmed.
Examples of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
While some BFRBs are more common than others, the repetitive actions remain the same. According to the National Library of Medicine, there are various BFRBs, including but not limited to:
- Teeth grinding
- Lip biting
- Finger sucking
- Trichotillomania
- Skin picking disorder
- Cheek chewing
- Finger cracking
- Nail biting
- Hair pulling
Any of these repetitive behaviors can become overwhelming, consuming an individual’s time and causing health problems. For some, feelings can be more intense than others, leading to more repetitive behaviors.
Risk Factors for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
There is a common trend among those with BFRBs: people display more than one behavior. For instance, there is a difficulty with impulse control alongside the presence of compulsive behavior.
Additionally, there are several risk factors for BFRB. Some of the risk factors consist of:
- Impulsive personalities
- Advanced age
- Family history of BFRB or OCD
- History of alcohol or substance abuse
- History of traumatic life events
- High rates of neuroticism
- Low rates of extroversion
Anyone in the categories above may be at greater risk of developing a BFRB.
How to Treat Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
Although each individual responds to treatment differently, those struggling with a BFRB have several interventions to consider. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and habit-reversal training (HRT) are forms of treatment.
CBT is a form of psychological treatment demonstrated to be effective for a wide range of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. The process of CBT includes speaking with a professional psychologist as a form of “talk therapy” to address the root cause or contribution to your BFRB.
How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Works
CBT treatment works by changing behavioral patterns. This may manifest as facing one’s fears and learning to calm one’s mind. With CBT, psychologists and patients work collaboratively, ultimately seeking to identify the underlying problem or concern related to BFRB.
CBT treatment focuses on changing the thinking patterns of those with BFRB. Some of the strategies may include:
- Gaining a better understanding of the repetitive behaviors
- Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence and self-worth
- Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult scenarios instead of using BFRB to cope
- Learning to recognize distortions in thinking that create problems
- Reevaluating distortions in light of reality
CBT is not only useful for those with BFRB. In fact, CBT can be beneficial for those struggling with other mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, phobias, and bipolar disorder.
Find Treatment Today
If you struggle with a BFRB, consider finding treatment at Cognitive Behavior Associates. We offer a wide range of treatment options for those struggling with anxiety and other mental health issues.
Our center for cognitive behavioral therapy can help you find the right treatment you need for your condition. Contact us today to learn more about our therapy options and how we can help you throughout the treatment process.