P105. Perceived Touch Deprivation is Associated With Increased Severity of the Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors [BFRB

Abstract

In the BFRBs[DSM5] which include Trichotillomania [hair-pulling] and Excoriation Disorder [skin-picking] the recurrent self-manipulation of the integument highlights the important role of the skin in emotional regulation. Perceived touch deprivation [PTD] during Covid19 has been associated with an increase in BFRB severity. Varying Covid19-related factors eg., fewer treatment facilities, and economic stress have been implicated in the BFRB exacerbations. We examined the association of PTD and BFRBs from data obtained prior to Covid19, in order to control for some of these factors.