What are Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors?

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) involve repetitive, compulsive actions directed at one's own body. Like stimming, these behaviors can become a way neurodiverse individuals cope with stress and anxiety. BFRBs can lead to physical damage (hair loss) and psychological impacts (feelings of shame or embarrassment). Common BFRBs include:

1. Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania): Pulling out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body parts.

2. Skin Picking (Dermatillomania): Picking at the skin, which can lead to skin damage, scars, or infections.

3. Nail Biting (Onychophagia): Biting the nails of the fingers or toes can damage the nails and surrounding skin.

4. Cheek & Lip Biting

5. Thumb Sucking

Treatment in therapy often involves:

1. Building awareness of the behavior

2. Identifying triggers

3. Substituting or redirecting with sensory objects or activities

4. Using environmental barriers to prevent the behavior