[Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior Disorders: Classification, Diagnosis and Treatment].

Abstract

Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as trichotillomania and skin picking are disorders at the interface of psychiatry/psychology, dermatology and dentistry. The disorders can be both either a consequence or a cause of severe somatic disorders. If BFRBs remain undetected and untreated, they tend to become chronic with at times serious somatic complications. There is currently no approved medication for BFRBs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, especially habit reversal training, is the method of choice. The self-help technique decoupling is also effective for a subgroup of patients. In addition to behavioral change, therapy should also address precipitating factors such as poor stress and emotion regulation strategies and sensory triggers.