Is it just a bad habit?

Nail biting is a common bad habit in children, and in some cases can also occur in adults. If a person's nail biting becomes more frequent and affects their health, is this simply a bad habit or a manifestation of a mental disorder?

On October 11, Dr. Vo Thi Ngoc Thu, a neurologist at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, said that nail biting can be considered a bad habit or a self-harming behavior that often occurs when we feel bored, stressed, or anxious. If nail biting becomes frequent and affects daily life, it is considered a form of body-focused repetitive behavioral disorder (mental disorder).

Body-focused repetitive behavior disorder has many causes, including complications of anxiety disorders, stress, or it may be a response to conflict or stressful life situations. It may also have a genetic component and may occur alongside other psychological disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or impulse control disorder. However, nail biting is not always associated with a mental disorder.

Some signs help us distinguish nail biting habit from mental disorder:

Nail biting habit : Usually occurs when people feel stressed, anxious, and may be a habit from childhood. Nail biting does not cause other psychological symptoms such as depression, insomnia, or negative thinking.

Mental disorders: Signs include sleep disturbances, depression, mood swings, excessive worry, and negative thinking. It may be associated with psychological disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, or mood disorders. Nail biting due to mental disorders can seriously affect the quality of life and requires treatment.

To determine the exact cause of nail biting addiction, patients should go to a medical facility to see a doctor for advice.

Nghiện cắn móng tay: Thói quen xấu hay biểu hiện rối loạn tâm thần - Ảnh 1. — Nail biting addiction can cause tissue damage in the fingers

The harmful effects of nail biting and some preventive measures

Constant nail biting can cause a number of short-term problems, including dental problems such as crooked teeth, chipped teeth, fungal nail infections. Oral problems, including jaw pain and soft tissue injuries, skin infections, tissue damage to the fingers, nails and cuticles. In addition, bacteria and viruses can live on the surface of nails and fingers for many hours, so when you put your hands in your mouth, you will expose your body to viruses that cause colds, flu, gastrointestinal diseases...

There are many home remedies that can be used to help stop nail biting, such as using a mouth guard, painting your nails with bitter nail polish, trimming your nails, or using the traditional method of applying bitter oil to your nails. Try wearing gloves at night or when you are alone to help prevent nail biting. Instead of biting your nails, try chewing gum or your favorite candy.

In case you have tried many measures and many times to quit the habit of biting your nails but still have not been effective, you should consult a doctor.

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