[Interdisciplinary approach to onychophagia]

Przegl Lek. 2003;60(11):737-9.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Onychophagy is classified to the nail diseases caused by repeated injures. Nail-biting as autodestruction and onychophagy in its most aggressive form, is common not only among children but adults as well. Nail-biting in children belongs to the group of habits and habitual function, which allowed for relieving the anxiety, loneliness, inactivity in children deprived of safety feeling, love and nearest relationship. In most adults suffering from onychophagy psychiatric diseases are not diagnosed. There are different clinical symptoms of onychophagy depended on the degree and the way of performed injures. In this study we are promoting the multidisciplinary approach to the therapy of habitual nail-biting.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Nail Biting / psychology
  • Nail Biting / therapy*
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / therapy*