The habit of biting nails has its own name: onychophagia.
This phenomenon is quite common: it affects 20 to 30% of people.
As a rule, this “custom” arises at 3-4 years of age and accompanies the child until puberty, and in some cases even longer.
Why does the habit of biting nails arise?
Unfortunately, scientists cannot yet determine the exact cause of this habit.
There is an assumption that it arises due to stress related to problems in the family. However, not all researchers agree with this point of view: some deny the connection with anxiety and claim that it is a consequence of boredom and frustration.
There is another opinion: according to the results of the study, there is a connection between this bad habit and hyperactivity: 74% of children with this disorder periodically bite their nails.
Although it is impossible to say that the habit of biting nails is a symptom of ADHD, if other signs are present, you should visit a child psychotherapist with your child.
Finally, onychophagia may not be associated in any way with disorders, increased anxiety or an unhealthy family atmosphere – sometimes a person commits this obsessive action unconsciously.
