Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors Treatment in Austin

What are Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors?

Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) are self-grooming behaviors where an individual may pluck, pull, scrape, or bite their own hair, nails, skin, etc.

  • Trichotillomania (trick-o-till-o-may-nee-uh) refers to the repetitive pulling out of one’s own hair. Affecting approximately one to two in 50 people in their lifetime, trichotillomania generally begins during late childhood or early adolescence (around age 11 or 12). In adulthood, trichotillomania affects significantly more women than men. Hair is pulled from eyelashes, eyebrows, beard, arm hair, hair on the scalp, etc). Without proper treatment, trichotillomania generally becomes a chronic condition.

    Recognizing Trichotillomania

    Pulling of the hair

    Thinning or bald areas

    Attempts to hide hair loss with hairstyles, scarves, hats, makeup, etc.

    Avoidance of situations or activities that may draw attention to hair loss (e.g., swimming, windy weather, salon appointments, intimacy, etc.)

  • Affecting approximately 2-5% of people in the United States, excoriation disorder refers to the excessive picking of one’s own skin (e.g., cuticles, acne, moles, scabs, etc.). Skin picking usually occurs in an effort to improve perceived imperfections; however, it often leads to scarring, discoloration and/or damage to the tissue. Onset of symptoms generally begins during adolescence (around age 14 or 15); however, it can begin much earlier. Skin picking tends to affect more women than men. Without proper treatment, excoriation disorder tends to develop into a chronic condition.

    Recognizing Excoriation

    Picking of the skin

    Red, irritated skin or scarring

    Attempts to camouflage damaged areas of skin with clothing or makeup

    Avoidance of situations or activities that may draw attention irritated skin (e.g., swimming, medical appointments, intimacy, etc.)

    Isolation

  • Response to treatment varies; however, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been identified as the treatment of choice for BFRBs. Habit reversal training (HRT) and comprehensive behavioral treatment (ComB) are two specific types of CBT, which can be helpful.

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