Similar to other mental health disorders, BFRBs are a combination of neurobiological, environmental, and genetic factors, not the result of “bad parenting.” In fact, most parents of children with BFRBs are quite supportive and would do just about anything to help their child with a BFRB. Conversely, there are many families fraught with trauma and abuse where BFRBs are completely absent. Unfortunately, when parents try to help and the BFRB persists, parents can become frustrated and even frightened for their child. To support parents, TLC offers ongoing health education webinars and connection to support your child in ways that feel empowering and that lead to healing.

Myths and Misperceptions

Myth: BFRBs are OCD.

BFRBs are often described as a cousin to OCD, but there are enough differences between the two that they are treated differently. Currently, hair pulling and skin picking are classified as Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).