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Book an Appointment

(717) 220-8660 | bbitherapy@hushmail.com

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  • Home
  • About
  • Telehealth
  • Conditions Treated
    • Generalized Anxiety
    • Social Anxiety
    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    • Phobias
    • Adult ADHD
    • Pain Management
    • Panic Disorder
    • Body Dysmorphia
    • (BFRB) Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors
  • Treatment Modalities
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
    • ACT Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
    • Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)
    • Therapy for Insomnia
    • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
  • Anxiety & OCD in Kids
  • FAQs
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Rates and Insurance
  • Good Faith Estimate
  • Clinical Supervision
  • Blog
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
(717) 220-8660

bbitherapy@hushmail.com

Integrating Cognitive and Somatic Therapies with Technology

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BFRB Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) is a general term for a group of related disorders, under the OCD and related disorders umbrella. BFRB refers to any repetitive self-grooming behavior that results in damage to the body. It affects 5% of the population, often co-occurring with OCD, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental related conditions.  These behaviors are not habits or tics. They are complex disorders that cause people to repeatedly touch their hair and body in ways that result in physical damage.

Some people assume that hair pulling or skin picking is a sign of some unresolved issue or problem that needs to be addressed for the BFRB to get better. Current evidence suggests, however, that these behaviors are not generally an indication of deeper issues or unresolved trauma.

BFRBs include:

  • Hair pulling (trichotillomania)
  • Skin picking (excoriation or dermatillomania)
  • Nail picking (onychophagia)
  • Compulsive nose picking (rhinotexomania)
  • Skin biting (dermatophagia)
  • Compulsive urge to eat one’s own hair (trichopagia)
  • Scab picking and scab eating
  • Picking of nails and cuticles
  • Lip or cheek biting
  • Other compulsive self-grooming related behaviors

Management of these behaviors begins with education about the disorder, followed by evidence-based treatment.

  • CBT technique of Habit Reversal Training (HRT)
  • CBT technique of Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment (ComB)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are often used on conjunction with these specific techniques.

Many alternative approaches such as diet, electric stimulation, massage, hypnosis and any “miracle cures” or devices lack adequate scientific research to be recommended by expert clinicians. They may be helpful on an individual basis when used as an augment to evidence-based treatments.

Self-Harm?

People (sometimes even clinicians not trained in treating BFRBs) often mistake these behaviors for self-harm or mutilation. It’s important to differentiate between intentional self-harm behaviors and BFRBs. Those who engage in BFRBs do so to relieve stress, or to experience gratification or other sensations. This is in contrast to those who self-mutilate to intentionally harm, punish, or attempt to distract themselves from intolerable emotions.

Finding the right help:

Shame, isolation, low self-esteem, and social anxiety often occur as a result of coping with chronic BFRBs. Many individuals have avoided establishing close relationships or have not pursued interests. It’s critically important to find a therapist who thoroughly understands BFRBs and is trained in the evidence-based treatment approaches for BFRBs.



3214 East Market St.
Suite #1
York, PA 17402

(717) 220-8660
bbitherapy@hushmail.com

About

Anxiety and OCD Pathways, LCC is a solo niche practice specializing in anxiety and OCD related conditions.

 

Office Hours

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

11am-8pm

 

CLOSED Thursday-Sunday

 

 

 

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3214 East Market St.
Suite #1
York, PA 17402

(717) 220-8660
bbitherapy@hushmail.com

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