Report of a case of male genital self-mutilation and review of the literature, with special emphasis on the effects of the media.
Genital self-mutilation is seldom reported; fewer than 100 cases have been reported in the literature to date. Few studies have examined the factors that may lead susceptible individuals to undertake this act. We report here on a case of genital self-mutilation by a 22-year-old man who cut off his penis with an electric chain saw. This patient, who also demonstrated borderline intellectual functioning as evidenced by psychological testing, was likely influenced by the popular media, which was showcasing the criminal trials of John and Lorena Bobbitt at the time of the patient's act.
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Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa 33613, USA.
Morejon
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Alberts
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Catalano
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D000328:Adult; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012652:Self Mutilation; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D014190:Transvestism / Q000175:diagnosis