Is Skin-Picking and Trichotillomania Self-Harm?
Trichotillomania and dermatillomania, or hair pulling and skin picking, respectively, are two highly misunderstood conditions that are more common than people would think. They are what is called body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB). They’re often a symptom of anxiety disorders, but do they ever cross the line into self-harm?
What Are Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors?
Body-focused repetitive behaviors are repetitive self-grooming behaviors. Common BFRP include:
- Biting your lips
- Chewing your nails
- Pulling your hair
- Picking or scratching your skin
BFRBs are often shrugged off as “just bad habits.” The truth is these compulsive behaviors can cause damage to the body and mental health.
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What is Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania, often referred to as trich, is an impulse control disorder that compels those who experience it to pull out their hair. It can be hair from any part of the body, but most commonly the head.
The act of pulling out hair is often considered a self-soothing practice. People who experience trich often find enjoyment from pulling their hair, but after they’re done pulling they may feel guilt or shame due to how it affects their appearance. Although, trying to stop pulling can create a great sense of anxiety.
Trich is often accompanied by other mental health conditions and is often a coping mechanism to combat feelings of depression and anxiety. However, trich is considered a stand-alone mental health disorder. Meaning accompanied disorders are not always the cause of trich.
What is Skin Picking?
Skin picking, scientifically known as dermatillomania, is very similar to trichotillomania, but instead of pulling hair, the person will pick or scratch their skin. This can cause injury and scarring.
Dermatillomania is the same as trichotillomania in that a person engages in the act as a coping mechanism accompanied by anxiety around the idea of stopping. Both are compulsive disorders making it difficult to stop.
Differences Between OCD and BFRBs
Trichotillomania and dermatillomania are considered related disorders to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but they are categorically different.
OCD involves unwanted intrusive thoughts and compulsive behavior used to stop those thoughts from happening. Those who experience BFRBs usually carry out the behavior as a way to soothe stress or find comfort rather than to quell obsessive and obtrusive thoughts.
While OCD and BFRBs both share compulsive behaviors, the drives for these behaviors are different. However, it’s common for dermatillomania to be a comorbid diagnosis alongside OCD.
BFRB as a Symptom
Trich and dermatillomania can exist on their own, but they can also be symptoms of other mental health disorders, particularly anxiety. In some people’s experiences, they pull their hair or pick their skin only when feeling anxious or experiencing other emotions.
Our understanding of BFRB is ever-expanding, and there is always more to learn about it. Those with dermatillomania can have wildly different experiences.
That’s why it’s so important to receive holistic treatment if you’re experiencing any of these conditions. Sequoia Behavioral Health takes an individualized approach to mental health. Our inpatient treatment program is run by an experienced and compassionate team that’s dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives.
What is Self-Harm?
Self-harm is when you hurt yourself as a way to cope with difficult life events, situations, emotions, or distressing memories. People who experience this will have different reasons for self-harming including:
- Escaping unwanted thoughts, situations, or emotions
- Punishing themselves for their feelings or their body image
- Expressing thoughts they don’t understand how to express
- To stop feelings of dissociation
- Changing emotional feelings into physical ones to reduce emotional pain
In recent years self-harm has been added to the DSM-5 under the title of nonsuicidal self-injury disorder. However, it can be accompanied by another mental health condition that exacerbates the desire toward self-harm.
If you or someone you know is experiencing non-suicidal self-injury disorder, seek help. If you are currently seeking help Text CONNECT to 741741 for free to connect to the crisis text line. Seeking therapy can help you learn healthy coping mechanisms and guide you toward a better life.
Are BFRBs Self Harm?
Simply put: no. Dermatillomania and trichotillomania are not forms of self-harm.
According to the DSM-5, trichotillomania and dermatillomania are distinct from non-suicidal self-injury. However, the harm aspect of both severe cases of BFRB’s and non-suicidal self injury can’t be ignored.
BFRBs often result in bodily pain or scarring, but that’s an unintentional result of the behavior. Self-injury has an intentionality attached to it.
Treating BFRB and Self Harm
The good news is both conditions are treatable, and symptoms can be managed. By attending therapy and maybe receiving medication you can find freedom from trichotillomania, skin-picking, and non-suicidal self-harm.
Treatment for Self Harm
Because self-harm is often linked to other mental health disorders, dealing with the root problems is the best way to help.
Options for treatment include:
During your treatment and therapy sessions, you’ll learn how to implement healthy coping mechanisms as well as tools to help with daily life.
If you’re seeking help for self-harm, reach out to Sequoia Behavioral Health. Our compassionate staff is equipped to find you a personalized treatment plan that will address your self-harm problems as well as any underlying mental health considerations. Get the holistic treatment you deserve.
Treatment for Trichotillomania and Skin Picking
The most common and effective treatment for trichotillomania and skin picking is cognitive behavioral therapy.
It will help you identify negative thoughts and how they’re connected to negative behaviors. Your therapist will help you find automatic thoughts that are the root of your BFRB and work with you to change them and in turn, change your behavior.
Dermatillomania and trichotillomania are often dismissed disorders, but if you’re experiencing either of these disorders, you’ll know how hard it is to live with them. Don’t deny yourself the care you deserve. Call us today to start your journey toward healing.