BFRB’s are the collective name for problematic picking, pulling or biting of skin, hair or nails. We all do these things a bit because these are normal primate grooming behaviours, but some people experience ongoing powerful urges that make it very difficult to stop. BFRBs are under-recognised, and underestimated in terms of the distress and functional impairment they can cause. Individuals can spend decades of their lives blighted by behaviours they cannot control, and for which there is little/no understanding or support available. As such, these are some of the most highly stigmatised of all mental health conditions. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms and develop interventions for BFRBs.
The role of shame in hairpulling: understanding adolescents’ experiences
Around 1% of adolescents have clinically diagnosable trichotillomania, but what role does shame play in how hairpulling connects to anxiety and depression? A recent study explores this largely overlooked question.
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