Anxiety Meets Quirks: The Psychological Secrets of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

What Are Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB)?

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB) refer to behaviors where people can't resist "acting on" their own bodies, mainly including: - **Hair pulling** (Trichotillomania) - **Skin picking** (Dermatillomania)

These behaviors not only cause physical harm but also have close connections with anxiety.

Research Overview

Researchers conducted a systematic analysis of 119 reliable studies involving 15,902 participants, deeply exploring the relationship between anxiety and BFRB.

Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders in BFRB Patients

Current Prevalence Rates

- **Generalized Anxiety Disorder**: 19.2% - **Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder**: 12.8% - **Social Anxiety Disorder**: 10.6% - **Any Anxiety Disorder**: 27.5%

**This means**: One in four people with BFRB is troubled by an anxiety disorder.

Lifetime Prevalence (Higher)

- **Generalized Anxiety Disorder**: 22.4% - **Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder**: 13.8% - **Social Anxiety Disorder**: 11.0% - **Any Anxiety Disorder**: 35.9%

Relationship Between Anxiety and BFRB Symptoms

Correlation Strength

Anxiety shows low to moderate correlation with BFRB symptom severity: - **All BFRB**: Correlation coefficient 0.29 - **Trichotillomania**: Correlation coefficient 0.27 - **Dermatillomania**: Correlation coefficient 0.34

Behavioral Type Differences

- **Focused behaviors** (intentional): Stronger correlation (0.42) - **Automatic behaviors** (subconscious): Weaker correlation (0.15)

Underlying Psychological Mechanisms

Emotional Regulation Theory

When emotional regulation fails, anxiety easily arises. Some people attempt to relieve anxiety through BFRB behaviors, but end up in a vicious cycle.

**Example**: Work stress → Feel anxious → Unconsciously pick fingers → Temporarily relieve anxiety → Notice finger injury → More anxiety

Practical Coping Suggestions

Distraction Techniques

When feeling anxious and wanting to engage in BFRB behaviors, try: - **Exercise**: Running, fresh air, promoting dopamine release - **Music**: Immerse in beautiful melodies, easing anxiety - **Other activities**: Find suitable relaxation methods

Emotional Management

- Learn to recognize anxiety signals - Develop healthy emotional regulation methods - Seek professional help promptly

Summary

The relationship between anxiety and BFRB resembles a complex dance - they influence each other but have different rhythms. What's important: - Pay attention to your mental health - Adjust emotions promptly - Use positive ways to cope with anxiety

May everyone enjoy healthy, happy mental states, free from anxiety and these behavioral troubles!