Nail-biting may be Included as a Symptom of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The American Psychiatric Association is all set to categorize nail-biting as a type of obsessive compulsive disorder.

The forthcoming edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) may soon include a fresh classification of NAIL-BITING as a type of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Nail-biting will be categorized under "pathological grooming" habits such as hair-pulling and skin-picking, also known as trichotillomania.

Victims of obsessive compulsive disorder portray repetitive behaviors which they feel can help reduce anxiety. Some of the symptoms could be going overboard with cleaning, checking repeatedly and nervous rituals like opening and closing a door.

This does not mean that all those who bite their nails are victims of OCD, but can be categorized under this disorder depending upon the severity of the symptoms.



Source: Medindia