BFRBs - Some FAQs
What are BFRBs?
BFRB, or Bodily Focused Repetitive Behaviour is an umbrella term covering impulse control disorders where someone compulsively damages their own body.
What might someone with a BFRB do?
Some BFRBs include:
Trichotillomania – hair pulling
Dermatillomania – skin picking
Onychophagia – nail biting
BFRBs are not limited to these three and may include any repetitive self-grooming behaviour that involves biting, pulling, picking, or scraping ones own hair, skin, or nails that results in damage to the body.
What causes BFRBs?
It is thought that there is a genetic component to BFRBs, if a close family member has a BFRB you are more likely to have one. Other factors that may be involved in the development of a BFRB include your temperament, environment, age, and family stress factors.
How do you treat a BFRB?
There is no one treatment for someone with a BFRB, although a number of treatment options have been effective for many people. The treatment and management of a BFRB should begin with an education about the behaviour, followed by consideration of other options such as CBT or medication. Treating a BFRB may involve tackling any underlying causes of the behaviours such as stress or depression.
Are BFRBs self harm?
BFRBs are not considered to be self harm as the intent behind the two behaviours is different. Self harm occurs with the intent to hurt oneself, wheres someone with a BFRB may pick at their skin in order to, for example, get rid of a perceived imperfection.
How common are BFRBs?
It is estimated that around 1 in 20 people have some form of BFRB.
How can I help someone with a BFRB?
You can find a really good and comprehensive list of strategies here
@EtaAlpha I pick skin off when i'm sleeping. I'm the only person I know who does this. I have no control over it at all and none of my doctors care to even try and address it.
Am i the only one?
@bubbleSailboat6868
You're definitely not the only one! I've heard of people having problems with BFRBs in their sleep and this website talks about it too.
Sadly, I think many medical professionals may not be aware or educated about BFRBs and the impact they can have on people. I'm very sorry that you're having trouble finding a doctor to help you. BFRBs are real disorders that people struggle with, please don't let the lack of knowlege on their part make you feel less worthy of help or treatment. If you return to the same doctor it's worth stressing the impact that it is having on your e.g. life/confidence/appearence/mood etc. to put your symptoms into a larger context for them. Otherwise I'd suggest finding another, more sympathetic doctor, again explaining the impact your symptoms are having. Doc Ready is a website I've found helpful in the past when preparing to talk to a doctor about my mental health :)
Thank you for this summary, really helpful <3
@EtaAlpha Thank you so much for this thread, I have Dermatillomania and Trichotillomania and this really helps me
