Picking nails may be nothing more than an old habit that is hard to break, but it could also be a sign of conditions such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs).
Therefore, if you find yourself picking your nails excessively, it may indicate a more serious issue. Let's review some of the reasons nail picking can be persistent.
Nail Picking and Anxiety
Nail picking is often associated with anxiety and is usually a behavior adopted to help one gain relief from various stressors. It serves as a distraction from stress by redirecting one’s attention away from the source of anxiety. Therefore, it serves as a physical outlet for intense emotions. If nail picking becomes a coping mechanism, it can easily become habitual, making it hard to stop. Researchers believe that nail picking is a problem if:
- Compulsively picking at nails becomes a habit.
- One continues to pick their nails despite injuries.
- One feels ashamed of the habit.
- One repetitively continues the behavior regardless of the consequences.
Those struggling with nail-biting as a response to anxiety may also adopt other repetitive behaviors as coping mechanisms. Common behaviors people tend to adopt alongside nail-biting include:
- Cheek biting
- Hair pulling
- Skin picking
- Teeth grinding
Nail Picking and Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior
Chronic nail picking is classified under BFRBs, but it can also be associated with OCD. Individuals with OCD may adopt some repetitive behaviors as a way to cope with their intrusive thoughts. OCD is often characterized by intense anxiety, and nail-biting may provide temporary relief. Additionally, individuals with OCD usually have a strong desire for perfectionism and control, and nail-biting may be a way to manage imperfections or a perceived lack of control.
ADHD and Nail Picking
Individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often deal with impulsivity and hyperactivity. The impulse control difficulties associated with ADHD can make it challenging to resist the urge to bite nails. They may develop a nail-biting habit to release tension or pent-up energy.
Moreover, nail picking can be a form of self-stimulation for those with ADHD to help them focus or calm themselves when feeling restless. Like those with OCD, persons with ADHD also experience extreme levels of anxiety and stress, which are common triggers for nail picking. As such, they may also indulge in nail-biting to achieve emotional relief from such intense feelings.
Effects of Chronic Nail Picking
When nail picking goes from a bad habit to a compulsive one, it can have significant psychological and physical effects.
Psychological Effects
Nail picking stops being a non-issue when one cannot control the urge, especially when stressed. While nail picking is a typical response to stress and anxiety, it can also cause stress and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle. Therefore, nail picking can easily lead to other mental health conditions, such as depression.
The stress and anxiety often result from the shame and embarrassment associated with nail-biting, as one may feel self-conscious about their appearance, especially in social settings. Chronic nail picking often becomes a hard habit to break with time, and one may start feeling helpless, likely leading to stress and even low self-esteem. nail picking can interfere with social interactions and lead to social withdrawal or anxiety.
Physical Effects
Chronic nail picking and biting increases the risk of ungual infections and dental problems. Expected consequences include nail damage and deformed, cracked, or split nails. It can also lead to nail bed infections and long-term damage to the nail matrix, affecting future nail growth. Picking and biting often extends to the skin around the nail bed, which can cause sores, infections, and inflammation. Germs can be easily transferred from hand to mouth, leading to oral and other gastrointestinal infections. Chronic nail biting is also associated with temporomandibular joint disorder, which causes pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and muscles responsible for jaw movement.
Some physical effects may be long-term. For example, constant trauma to the nails may result in disfigured nails. Chronic inflammation from constant picking may result in long-term scars on the surrounding skin. Further, chronic nail picking increases the risks of developing other compulsive habits. These compulsive behaviors can significantly impact an individual's overall quality of life. The pain and discomfort caused by persistent nail picking can also make it hard to use one’s hands, even for essential functions such as eating.
Nail Picking Management
The primary management of nail picking involves having a solid support system of persons who understand your condition and are willing to help you recover. Another remedy is keeping nails short, using nail polish, or finding other barriers, such as gloves or acrylics, which make your nails inaccessible.
Additionally, there are mobile apps designed to help individuals break bad habits, such as nail picking, by tracking progress and providing reminders. These applications also offer tips to help one adopt healthier habits to replace nail picking.
Positive reinforcement is also an essential strategy during recovery. Reward yourself if you meet your goals. For example, you can treat yourself to a manicure after a week of not biting or picking your nails.
For severe nail-picking cases, it is essential to seek professional help. Therapists often apply cognitive behavioral therapy to address the underlying causes of nail picking and help individuals adopt healthier habits, such as using a stress ball.
Final Thoughts
When nail picking becomes more than just a bad habit, it could be a serious issue. Excessive or long-term nail picking can result in damage to the nails, fingers, teeth, and jaw, in addition to hurting one’s self esteem. The TLC for BFRBs has many sources for those struggling with nail picking. From support groups to mental health providers, our team is here to help you.
