Nail Biting and OCD?

This may seem like a dumb question but I read that nail biting can mean you have OCD. Is that true?

[JGF25]

Hi and Welcome!  

Nail biting is a tough question because it can be routed in anxiety and become a compulsion that you have to do or it can just be a habit you have developed over the years and you find youself doing it without even noticing it.  Also you may be biting your nails due to subconscous anxiety.  

What it comes down to is if this is a behavior that you have to do otherwise it will drive you nuts, then I would say it is routed in OCD/anxiety.  If this is the case and you cannot stop yourself from doing it, then I would suggest a visit to a therapist where they can teach you cognitive behavioral therapies to help you break this compulsive habit.  

If on the other hand, it is just something you do without really noticing it but now maybe you are becoming bothered by it, you can try to catch yourself doing it and say STOP in your head and pull your hands away.  As with any habit, it can be really hard to break especially if you have been doing it for years.  It will take some work on your part but it can be done.  You need to recognize it right away and stop yourself from doing it.  If you find that you cannot break this habit by yourself, then I would recommend you seek out some outside help.  

Let me know if you have any more questions.