What is the best drug for nail biting? Will Wellbutrin work?

Submitted by mgarrand Fri 07/23/2010

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nail biting is a bad

Submitted by lo0144 on Tue, 07/27/2010 - 11:02am.

nail biting is a bad habbit....... you should keep your fingernails clipped short and filed, cuticles trimed, ect. This will overall keep your teeth from grooming your nails, meds wont help much.

I would not rely on any

Submitted by mwilliams on Sat, 07/31/2010 - 7:32pm.

I would not rely on any medication to cure compulsive nail biting which is also known as Onychophagia. Nail biting is best treated using CBT.There are 3 parts to the treatment:

Self-Monitoring is simply making the nail-biter more aware of their behaviors. As biting can often be unconscious, awareness can be improved by simply keeping a log of picking behaviors. The very act of recording the behavior can also interrupt the process and reduce the biting.

Stimulus Control (SC) is a behavioral treatment that helps sufferers identify and eliminate, avoid, or change the environmental factors, moods, or circumstances that trigger nail-biting. The goal is to consciously control these triggers to create new learned connections between the urges and alternative, non-destructive behaviors. For example if nail-biting usually occurs while alone, the person will be encouraged to spend more time with others. If nail-biting occurs at home while reading, then the person may be asked to wear gloves during this time.

Competing Response is a technique designed to give the person an alternative to nail-biting. This can include fidget toys, knitting, beading, or other activities to keep the hands busy. Chewing gum, toothpicks, and other orally-oriented behaviors may be also used to satisfy the urge to chew.

It might be a good idea to see a therapist to help you implement these strategies.

Best of luck,
Dr. Williams

—

Monnica T. Williams, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist specializing in OCD
http://www.monnicawilliams.com

For Treatment Options Call (877) 331-9311

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