What causes a 15-year-old child to constantly bite their hands?

Constant hand-biting in a 15-year-old may be caused by high psychological stress, entrenched bad habits, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or zinc deficiency. This behavior can be improved through psychological counseling, behavioral interventions, and medication. If biting is frequent and accompanied by skin damage or emotional disturbances, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. High psychological stress: Academic or social pressures may trigger tension, leading the child to bite their hands as a way to relieve anxiety—often occurring before exams or social interactions. Parents are advised to communicate openly with their child and encourage healthy stress-relief methods such as listening to music or physical exercise.

2. Entrenched bad habit: Hand-biting that began in childhood and was not corrected may become a conditioned reflex, persisting into adolescence and occurring unconsciously. Wearing finger guards can serve as a reminder; when the urge arises, redirect attention to activities like reading or crafts.

3. Anxiety disorder: Prolonged mental stress can disrupt neurotransmitter balance, manifesting as frequent hand-biting to alleviate anxiety, along with persistent worry, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia. Under medical supervision, medications such as sertraline hydrochloride tablets, fluoxetine capsules, or lorazepam tablets may be prescribed to relieve symptoms.

4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Abnormal brain neuroregulation leads to compulsive behaviors such as repetitive hand-biting. Not biting causes intense anxiety, often accompanied by other compulsions like repeated checking or organizing. Under a doctor’s guidance, medications such as clomipramine tablets, fluvoxamine maleate tablets, or risperidone tablets may help improve symptoms.

5. Zinc deficiency: Poor diet leading to insufficient zinc intake can impair neurological development and behavioral control, resulting in frequent hand-biting, poor appetite, mouth ulcers, and delayed growth. Under medical advice, supplements such as zinc gluconate oral solution, zinc sulfate syrup, or Zn-Se Bao tablets may help alleviate symptoms.

Monitor the child's emotional changes and provide consistent support and companionship. Ensure a balanced diet rich in zinc-containing foods, promptly remind and guide the child to correct hand-biting behavior, and encourage the development of hobbies to help redirect attention.