Self-enucleation in drug-related psychosis.
OBJECTIVE
To report on a patient who committed self-enucleation with his own fingers.


METHODS
Case report of a 28-year-old man who self-enucleated his right eye. After ophthalmological treatment, he was referred to the psychiatric department for further evaluation and treatment.


RESULTS
Reconstruction of the orbit was performed, and neither ophthalmological nor neurological complications were noted. The psychiatric history revealed continuous drug abuse (cannabis and amphetamines). The diagnosis of a drug-induced psychosis was established.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-enucleation or 'oedipism' is a rare entity which requires, besides an operative reconstruction of the orbit, neurological monitoring to prevent possible intracranial complications. Long-term psychiatric therapy should be attempted to prevent further self-injurious behaviour.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany. antonio.bergua@augen.imed.uni-erlangen.de
Antonio
A
Bergua
Wolfgang
W
Sperling
Michael
M
Küchle
D000328:Adult; D000662:Amphetamines / Q000652:urine; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000652:urine; D015353:Eye Enucleation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020273:Orbital Implants; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000652:urine; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection
D000662:Amphetamines; D002186:Cannabinoids