Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors
BFRB is the term that often describes disorders that involve body focused repetitive behaviors that create physical damage to one’s body. These disorders include trichotillomania (hair pulling), excoriation disorder (skin picking), and onychophagia (nail biting).
CBT is the gold standard treatment for BFRB and teaches the individual to understand the relationship between thoughts, feelings/physical sensations (including the urge to engage in a BFRB), and behaviors (often the BFRB). Treatment is tailored to the individual’s symptoms and a structured plan is developed to address the distress associated with the BFRB as well as the triggers and consequences related to the BFRB. The clinical staff at the KY-CARDS are trained in treating BFRB with CBT, particularly two of the core elements for alleviating BFRB: habit reversal training (HRT) and comprehensive behavioral therapy (ComB).
As an adjunct to treatment, KY-CARDS is a supporter of Habitaware, the company who developed the Keen bracelet for BFRB treatment. Keen is particularly effective in helping individuals who struggle with BFRB by tracking patterns and facilitating awareness of skin picking, nail biting, and hair pulling.
To learn more about how Keen can assist you in your BFRB treatment, click here.