E-Learning on Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (Including Trichotillomania, Skin Picking, and Nail Biting)

The Neuropsychology and Psychotherapy Research Unit of the University Medical Center Hamburg (UKE) has developed an e-learning course on Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). This evidence-based training course is designed for healthcare professionals, family members, and individuals affected by BFRBs. It addresses the development, diagnosis, and treatment of trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), dermatillomania (skin-picking disorder), nail biting, lip and cheek biting, and related disorders. Detailed information on the course is available at uke.de/e-bfrb-en.

The aim of this online training course is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of BFRBs.

Upon completion of the course, you will

• be familiar with the key symptoms of the various BFRB disorders, as well as prevalence rates and potential physical complications;
• understand how BFRBs are classified diagnostically within the DSM-5, ICD-10, and ICD-11 classification systems;
• be familiar with assessment scales used to evaluate and differentiate the various disorders (e.g., the Generic BFRB Scale-8) and have access to diagnostic materials;
• have learned about different theoretical models explaining the development and maintenance of BFRBs; and
• be familiar with a range of treatment approaches that have proven effective for BFRBs and have access to materials supporting their implementation.

No special software is required for this online continuing education course, and you may learn at your own pace. All modules can be completed conveniently from home (you may pause the course at any time).