Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) are recognized as distinct categories in the DSM-5. However, definitions and assessment of NSSI sometimes encompasses behaviors similar to BFRBs, and little data exist about their clinical differences. The current study examined clinical characteristics and symptom features associated with NSSI vs. BFRBs. The current sample included 1,523 individuals who endorsed moderate to severe NSSI (n = 165) or BFRBs: hair pulling group (n = 102), skin picking group (n = 216), nail picking group (n = 253), nail biting group (n = 487), and cheek biting group (n = 300). Responders were asked to complete questionnaires on clinical features relevant for BFRBs and NSSI. NSSI and BFRBs had significant differences on several clinical features. Individuals in the NSSI group were more likely than individuals with BFRBs to report engaging in the behavior for social-affective reasons (i.e., to get out of doing something, or receive attention from others). Individuals in the NSSI group were also more likely to engage in the behavior to regulate tension and feelings of emptiness, and to experience relief during the act. In contrast, individuals in the BFRB groups were more likely to engage in the behavior automatically without reflective awareness, to reduce boredom, or to fix appearance. The NSSI group obtained significantly higher scores on questionnaires assessing stress, anxiety, depression, and harm avoidance. Overall, the results showed several notable differences between NSSI and BFRBs that are consistent with clinical literature and definitions of these problems in the DSM-5.

在DSM-5中，以身体为中心的重复性行为（BFRB）和非自杀性自残（NSSI）被识别为不同的类别。但是，NSSI的定义和评估有时包含类似于BFRB的行为，关于其临床差异的数据很少。本研究检查了与NSSI与BFRB相关的临床特征和症状特征。当前的样本包括1,523名赞同中度至重度NSSI（n  = 165）或BFRB的个体：拔毛组（n  = 102），皮肤采摘组（n  = 216），指甲采摘组（n  = 253），咬指甲组（n  = 487）和颊部咬合组（n = 300）。要求受访者填写有关BFRB和NSSI的临床特征的问卷。NSSI和BFRB在几个临床特征上有显着差异。与具有BFRB的人相比，NSSI组中的人更有可能报告出于社会情感原因参与该行为（即不做某事或受到他人关注）。NSSI组中的个体也更有可能参与调节压力和空虚感的行为，并在行为期间得到缓解。相反，在BFRB组中的个体更有可能在没有反思意识的情况下自动进行行为，以减少无聊或修复外观。NSSI组在评估压力，焦虑，抑郁和避免伤害的问卷上获得了明显更高的分数。