Oedipism.
BACKGROUND
Oedipism or self-enucleation is a rare form of self-mutilation, and most often described in acutely psychotic patients, who have religious or sexual delusions.


METHODS
A 47-year-old Chinese man with a history of chronic schizophrenia enucleated his own left eye and mutilated his right eye. The reason for his behaviour was unknown. The history and legends surrounding autoenucleation and the medical literature are reviewed.


RESULTS
The patient was managed jointly with the psychiatrist. He suffered extensive injury to his right eye, resulting in loss of vision.


CONCLUSIONS
The management of Oedipism requires close cooperation between ophthalmologists and psychiatrists. Precautions must be taken to prevent repeated attempts or other self-mutilatory behaviour.
Aung
T
T
Department of Ophthalmology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
Yap
E Y
EY
Fam
H B
HB
Law
N M
NM
D015353:Eye Enucleation; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000523:psychology*