Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB)
Trichotillomania and skin picking are examples of BFRB. Trichotillomania is defined by the
recurrent urge to pull out
one’s hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Individuals typically feel a sense of tension or itch
before they pull, followed
by a sense of pleasure and/or relief. Due to this feeling of relief, it is very difficult
for individuals to stop
the behavior. Compulsive skin picking is characterized by the recurrent urge to pick one’s
skin. Individuals may
imagine skin defects in their skin that are not observable to others but will repeatedly
pick at them to try and
make them go away. Much like trichotillomania, individuals will experience a feeling of
relief afterward.
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
In OCD, individuals are troubled by persistent, recurring thoughts (obsessions) that reflect
exaggerated anxiety or
fears. Common obsessions can include worrying about being contaminated, fears of behaving
improperly, or even fears
of acting violently. These obsessions can lead an individual to perform rituals or routines
(compulsions), such as
repeatedly washing hands or repeating phrases over and over to relieve the anxiety caused by
the obsessive
thoughts.
Separation Anxiety Disorders/School Refusal
Separation anxiety in children is expressed by feelings of excessive anxiety while away from
their parent/caregiver
or while away from home. Common behaviors upon separation include crying, clinging, panic,
and worry. Reluctance or
refusal to go to school and/or extracurricular activities is common due to the child’s fear
of separation and fear
of harm to loved ones while they are apart.
Specific Phobias
People who suffer from specific phobias, such as a fear of heights, elevators, or spiders,
often experience intense
fear not only when they are in the presence of that particular place or object but also in
anticipation of being
near the place or object. The level of fear a person experiences is usually inappropriate to
the situation and
recognized by the sufferer as irrational.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
SAD is defined as experiencing intense anxiety due to the fear of being judged by others or
behaving in a way that
might lead to embarrassment or ridicule in social situations. Symptoms may include, but are
not limited to, heart
palpitations, blushing, excessive sweating, and dizziness.
General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is characterized by excessive and unrealistic worry. In adults, anxiety may result from
health, finances, career,
or relationships. Symptoms include muscular aches, insomnia, abdominal pain/discomfort,
dizziness, trembling, and
irritability.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is marked by severe anxiety that causes individuals to feel as if they were
having a heart attack or
feeling out of control for no apparent reason. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to,
heart palpitations,
chest pain/discomfort, sweating, trembling, tingling sensations, a choking feeling, fear of
dying, and experiencing
unreal or illusory feelings.
Tics & Tourette Disorder
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by sudden, repetitive movements
and vocalizations called
tics. These tics are often preceded by an uncomfortable urge temporarily relieved by the tic
before the cycle
repeats.
