Nail Biting

I am a 30 year old male.  I have chewed my fingernails since I was 3 years old or so.  Before that I sucked my thumb continuously, it was when my parents made me stop, some how, that I began chewing my nails.  My dad put that bad tasting stuff on my nails but I would peal it off and get busy.  Once he dipped my fingertips in jalepeno pepper juice, now I really like hot foods.

about 4 years ago I was diagnosed with ADD.  I started taking Adderall (adderrall) and have gotten my life going in the right way, except for this nasty habit.  I have the desire to quit and can go 4 - 5 days with out biting, but I will be sitting there and realize my hand is in my mouth.

I was also drinking a lot, 3-6 drinks a night, and more on the weekend.  I stopped doing that several months ago, and don't have the desire for it.  I see people quit smoking, drinking, and other stuff.  Why does it seem impossible to quit something that doesn't give a buz, or a nicotine rush?  What can I do to quit?

Also, do you know how I would get in touch with someone that is doing research on the subject?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Mr. Whelchel,

When you began biting your nails as a child, the behavior may have served the function of relieving tension. It may still serve that function. In any case, it is a firmly entrenched habit pattern.

You have several options open to you. You can consult with a mental health clinician who specializes in cognitive-behavioral treatment. He/she can help you design a behavioral program which might help. You can also consider alternative therapies, such as hypnotherapy (which often is effective in altering habit patterns) or acupuncture. Finally, you can consider medication, such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. These medications are sometimes effective in allaying compulsive types of behavior. The options, of course, are not mutually exclusive.

I cannot at the moment offer you any guidance re: research on this topic, but will inquire about it.