Clare Mackay, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (OH BRC) Dementia Theme Lead and Professor of Imaging Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, has shared her reflections on the first ever Oxford conference on Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs).
The conference, held in September, came a year after Professor Mackay first spoke publicly about her experience with hair pulling disorder, also known as trichotillomania.

Professor Mackay said: “In the Museum lecture hall were several clinicians and scientists who have studied and treated BFRBs for many years, alongside a group of scientists who are new to BFRBs, who brought expertise in areas relevant to understanding the mechanisms that drive uncontrollable urges to pick, pull and bite.
“The largest community was those living with BFRBs and their loved ones, some of whom are also scientists.
“New ideas were sparked, collaborations were born, connections were made. Our awareness raising efforts meant that we had three camera crews to make sure all of the content was captured, as well as short films made of speakers by the Mental Elf (Andre Tomlin), and content for a possible BBC documentary.”
Professor Mackay’s research into BFRBs is supported by NIHR OH BRC’s Mental Health in Development Theme.