A neglected issue 'Onicophagia': Diagnosis and treatment approaches

Abstract

Onychophagia is a common and compulsive habit that begins in childhood, which is observed in 20-30% of the general population. It is a stereotypic behavioral disorder related to the body and is likely to be evaluated in the OCD spectrum. It is not an isolated symptom and requires a chronic process with pharmacological treatment and cognitive behavioral therapies in a wide psychosocial perspective by investigating accompanying psychiatric disorders and stereotypical behaviors. In this review, literature information about onychophagia is reviewed.