Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) are often misunderstood. Behaviors such as hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting, and other repetitive behaviors involving the body can cause physical and emotional distress, yet many people still believe that BFRBs are intentional, attention-seeking, or simply a matter of poor self-control.

If you struggle with skin picking or hair pulling, you may know the cycle all too well: an urge builds, you pick or pull, you experience temporary relief, and then shame or guilt sets in. For many people with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), the emotional impact can be just as difficult as the behavior itself.