Treatment for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and self-help strategies. BFRBs are a group of disorders characterized by repetitive self-grooming behaviors that can cause physical damage to the body, including hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking (excoriation disorder), and nail biting.

When working with BFRBs it can be helpful to look at the disorder in terms of domains.  SCAMP is an acronym for the Five Domains of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), a framework that helps clinicians and researchers understand and assess BFRBs.

The five domains of SCAMP are:

1. Sensory: Sensory experiences, such as the feel of hair or skin, or the sensation of pressure, tension, or release, that may trigger or reinforce BFRBs.

2. Cognitive: Thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes that are associated with BFRBs, such as feeling a sense of relief or control from engaging in the behavior.

3. Affective: Emotional experiences related to BFRBs, such as anxiety, stress, or boredom.

4. Motor: The physical movements involved in BFRBs, such as hair pulling, skin picking, or nail biting.

5. Placebo: The psychological and physiological effects of treatment, such as feeling a sense of control or relief from engaging in a non-harmful behavior.

The SCAMP model can be used to help clinicians and researchers understand the complex interplay between these different domains and develop targeted interventions that address each domain. For example, a comprehensive treatment plan for BFRBs might include cognitive-behavioral therapy to address the cognitive and affective domains, sensory interventions to reduce triggers, and habit reversal training to address the motor domain.

If you or your loved one suffer from a BFRB, please contact Kairos Wellness Collective for expert support.