What Is Onychophagia? Definition, Causes And Treatment

The term onychophagy derives from the Greek words “onyx” (nail) and “phagein” (eat). In psychology, this compulsive habit implies biting several or all of your fingernails and pulling off or nibbling on the cuticles (the outer coverings of the nails). This practice can be a temporary, relatively non-destructive behavior, but it can also become a serious long-term problem requiring therapeutic intervention. In psychiatric manuals, onychophagia is classified as an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder and, specifically, as a body-focused repetitive behavior.

In more severe cases, chronic biting can lead to damage to the surrounding tissue of the nails and can cause great discomfort, not only for the person themselves but also for their immediate environment, since it is still a socially unacceptable and unsightly habit. It is important to know that, especially in the onychophagia in adults can be a source of feelings of guilt and shame, and even cause stigmatization of the person who has the disorder in family circles and in social settings.

The causes that cause the appearance of onychophagia are not entirely clear. Nail biting can be seen as a sign of nervousness and anxiety and as a reflection of a possible emotional disturbance or a state of great stress. In research it has been observed that people who have onychophagia have a greater propensity to states of nervousness and anxiety.

It has also been proven that stress and aggression They are factors that exacerbate the problem. Furthermore, people who are in obsessive states are more likely to develop this compulsive habit as a method to reduce their anxiety. Here you will find what to do to de-stress.

Onychophagy may also be a learned behavior through vicarious conditioning (by observation). In the childhood onychophagia, children may imitate the nail-biting behavior they see in their parents or caregivers, interpreting it as a natural and acceptable behavior. Maladjustment problems caused by sudden changes in the family unit or the loss of a loved one are also the ideal breeding ground for this compulsive habit to automatically trigger.

There is no standard treatment for onychophagia, but the most common, cheap and widely available solution is to apply a transparent and bitter-tasting nail polish (usually denatonium benzoate). In this way, the unpleasant taste discourages the habit of biting nails and over time the compulsive behavior is reduced.

Another way to address this problem is by applying behavioral therapy techniques. The most used is the habit reversal technique a therapeutic procedure that seeks to unlearn the compulsive habit of nail biting and replace it with another more constructive practice and that includes training to increase awareness of unwanted behavior, monitoring of one’s own behaviors, relaxation training and various motivational techniques .

Other techniques such as stimulus control, the use of bracelets with reminder messages or dental deterrent devices have also been used in the treatment of onychophagia. In addition, in recent years tests have been carried out with the use of medications, such as n-acetylcysteine, although the evidence of its effectiveness is very limited.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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