There is an ongoing debate among medical professional to determine what constitutes an addiction and which behaviors deserve the status of a full-fledged disorder. Overeating, video gaming, gambling, texting and shopping are all being scrutinized.
It’s easy to see how some of those behaviors could turn into addictions (we all know someone who can’t be without their phone or will stay up too late playing a video game), but why would the pros focus on a harmless habit like nail biting?
It may not be as harmless as you think – as least in certain instances. The American Psychiatric Association – the organization behind publishing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) – is getting ready to move up nail biting from its current "not otherwise classified" status to that of an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Your penchant for chewing on your nails or cuticles when nervous or bored isn’t going to earn you a clinical diagnosis, although it’s still frowned on by moms and manicurists everywhere. OCD is most-commonly characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead the sufferer to complete repetitive behaviors (compulsions), and nail biting is not something we normally associate with it. However the experts now realize that extreme cases of nail biting fit into this category. It goes along with other extreme behaviors like hair pulling or skin picking.
Mental Health and Addiction Help at La Paloma
If you or someone you love needs treatment for an addiction and co-occurring mental health disorder like OCD, call La Paloma at the toll-free number on our homepage. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
