Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors are a common way that anxiety is expressed and many folks with other anxiety disorders also struggle with BFRB's. Common examples of BFRB's are:
-Hair pulling (trichotillomania)
-Skin picking/pimple popping
-Nail biting
-Picking at objects on other people/objects (family members, pets, furniture)
Many people come to therapy to address BFRB's and feel they have tried many things in the past with little success. Without understanding the functions of the behaviors and treating it solely as a bad habit, people can become discouraged.
However, there is help! Treatment for BFRB's focuses on addressing the complex systems that create and maintain BFRB's. Using multiple evidence based treatment options increases the effectiveness and approaches the behaviors from multiple angles. Using Habit Reversal Training (HRT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Comprehensive Behavioral Therapy (ComB) has been shown to help folks struggling with BFRB's meet and maintain their goals.