Yep! Skin Picking Disorder (Excoriation Disorder) and Hair Pulling Disorder (Trichotillomania) are recognized mental health conditions. They are not “bad habits” and stopping is not usually a choice (just like depression or anxiety is not a “choice”).

Well, it’s not about willpower and its often much more complicated. Picking and pulling can serve different functions, including relieving stress, managing uncomfortable emotions, addressing sensory urges, reducing boredom, or creating a temporary sense of relief. Understanding what drives the behavior is often an important part of effective treatment.

The Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Model is a specialized treatment approach for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. Rather than assuming everyone picks or pulls for the same reason, ComB helps identify the unique sensory, emotional, cognitive, motor, and environmental factors contributing to the behavior. Treatment is then tailored to address those specific patterns and needs.

No..no..no. Many children are already aware of their behavior and may feel embarrassed or frustrated by it. Parental pressure to “stop doing that” when your child has no control or skills can often feel shaming. Rather than focusing on stopping the picking or pulling, it's often more helpful to focus on understanding what your child is experiencing and seeking professional guidance when needed.