Nail biting and hair pulling are common behavioral disorders that require treatment, because they have physical and psychological effects that worry people who are used to them.
Replace one habit with another
According to research published by “NBC News”, about half of the people in a 6-week study said that practicing a simple new habit, such as rubbing two fingers together, helped reduce their behaviors, especially related to nail biting. The researchers’ new habit of gently rubbing the fingertips, palm or back of the hand at least twice a day improved 53 percent of the people studied.
How do you get rid of your mental contract?
How did the study go?
Lead study author Steffen Moritz, chair of the Clinical Neuropsychology Working Group at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and colleagues examined 268 people with trichotillomania (a condition in which people pull out hair in response to stress or to calm themselves) or who frequently bite their nails. The researchers randomly divided the volunteers into two groups. One group was given a guide and a video showing them how to gently rub their fingertips, palm or arm anytime they felt the urge to bite their nails.
How can rubbing fingers prevent nail biting?
There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for this condition, and cognitive behavioral therapy is thought to be the most effective approach. “Rubbing your hands when you have the urge to pull your hair or skin is about using a group of muscles to distract you from the harmful behavior,” said Natasha Bellin, a psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. “I was very excited that there is more work in this field of self-help. Habit-replacement techniques may be beneficial for those awaiting treatment,” Bellin added. She continued, “Accessing mental health services can be a real challenge these days and waiting lists can be incredibly long, but I think the more research we can do, and the more we can develop these self-help tools, the more we can help narrow that treatment gap. That’s definitely important.”
2023-07-24 09:55:22
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