They have similar qualities such as repetitive thoughts and behaviors, and thus, fall within the obsessive-compulsive spectrum. However, unlike OCD, many of these repetitive behaviors are more impulsive in nature and are often acceptable to the sufferer.
Trichotillomania
An irresistible urge to repetitively pull hair out from the scalp, eyebrows, lashes, or other areas of the body. Recurrent hair-pulling occurs in a trance-like state and results in noticeable hair loss. It can occur in infants, although typical onset is late childhood to early adolescence.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Recurrent, excessive concerns about a non-existent or minor flaw with a particular body part. The individual often remains dissatisfied despite seeking repetitive medical/cosmetic procedures to fix the perceived, unattractive area. It usually begins in late adolescence to early adulthood.
Tourette’s Syndrome/Tic Disorders
A neurological condition that includes repetitive motor tics and vocal tics appearing before the age of 18. Motor tics are involuntary movements such as twitching, jerking, blinking, stretching, while vocal tics involve making involuntary sounds such as grunting, barking, yelping, or cursing.
Compulsive Skin Picking (CSP)
Repetitive picking at one’s own skin to the point of causing bleeding, infections, tissue damage, or permanent skin disfiguration. Picking usually occurs with fingers and nails, however, also by biting, or using tweezers/scissors. Common areas include face, head, cuticles, arms, legs, hands, and feet. It can begin in childhood or adulthood, and affect as many as 1 in 20 people.
