Onychotillomania

Onychotillomania
Synonyms	Nail picking disorder
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Dermatology, Psychiatry
Symptoms	Nail damage, pain, bleeding, infection
Complications	Infection, nail dystrophy
Onset	Any age, often in adolescence
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Psychological stress, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder
Risks	Psychiatric disorders, stressful life events
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis
Differential diagnosis	Onychophagia, dermatillomania, onychomycosis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Cognitive behavioral therapy, habit reversal training, medication
Medication	Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Unknown, considered rare
Deaths	N/A

Onychotillomania is a condition characterized by the compulsive picking or tearing of the nails. This behavior can lead to significant nail damage and has been associated with various psychological conditions.

Definition

Onychotillomania is a form of body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) that involves compulsive picking or tearing of the nails. It is considered a type of impulse control disorder and is often associated with conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).

Symptoms

The primary symptom of onychotillomania is the recurrent picking or tearing of the nails. This behavior can lead to significant nail damage, including onycholysis (separation of the nail from the nail bed), paronychia (infection of the skin around the nail), and permanent nail deformity. Individuals with onychotillomania may also experience emotional distress and impairment in social or occupational functioning.

Causes

The exact cause of onychotillomania is unknown, but it is thought to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. It is often associated with conditions such as OCD and BDD, suggesting a possible link with abnormalities in the serotonin system.

Treatment

Treatment for onychotillomania typically involves a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may be used to help manage symptoms. CBT can help individuals learn to identify and change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors.

See also

• Trichotillomania
• Dermatillomania
• Body dysmorphic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder