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New Technique Could Help Those With Compulsive Picking
A new, simple technique could help those who pick their skin, according to a new study.
New Technique for Unhealthy Repetitive Behaviors
Body-focused repetitive behaviors-compulsively pulling or picking at your hair or skin, unable to stop yourself even if the behavior leads to scabs, scars or bald spots—affects about five percent of people worldwide, according to the TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors.
Research found that an approach called “habit replacement” may help reduce these behaviors. The new technique involves gently rubbing the fingertips, palm or back of the arm, at least twice a day.
Fifty-three percent of the people in the study said they had some improvement compared with around 20 percent of people in a control group.
The Study
In a six-week study, the research team looked at 268 people who had trichotillomania (plucking hair out in response to stress or to self-soothe) or those who repeatedly bite their nails or inside of their cheek.
Volunteers were split into two groups. One group was given a manual and a video that showed them how to form the new, less harmful, habit, by gently rubbing their fingertips, palm or arm any time they felt the urge to bite their nails or engage in harmful behavior. They were also instructed to practice the new habit when they were not feeling the urge to pick as well.
People in the control group were told they were put on a waitlist, and only received habit replacement therapy after the study was concluded.
The research was published in “JAMA Dermatology.”
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This entry was posted on August 2nd, 2023 at 01:12:00 pm by BlogMe@iaatpa.net (IAA) and is filed under Bad Habits.