A Guide to the Treatment of Hair, Skin, and Nail Picking Disorders

Hair, nail, and skin picking are self-destructive behaviors that have many physical, psychological, and social consequences. For this reason, individuals often seek treatment, but the fluctuating course of the disorder causes symptoms to recur under stress, leaving patients discouraged about recovery. Through psychotherapy, patients discover the root of their problems and learn how to manage negative emotions and control the impulses to pick hair and nails. They identify triggers and change maladaptive behaviors. Since depression is common in many of these chronic disorders, simultaneous treatment is essential because depression can affect patients’ motivation and hinder the treatment process. The book “A Guide to the Treatment of Hair, Skin, and Nail Picking Disorders” is written in simple and fluent language and offers techniques and strategies with examples that facilitate understanding of concepts and content.