Nonpsychotic, nonparaphilic self-amputation and the internet.
The literature suggests that self-amputation is an outgrowth of either psychosis or paraphilia. In the case we present, the patient was neither psychotic at the time of amputation, nor did he ascribe a sexual motivation for his act. Instead, he had a long-standing idea that being an amputee was a critical aspect of his identity. The patient used the internet to research the method for his amputation and sought support from individuals with the same desire via e-mail, web sites, and Usenet news groups.
Berger
Bertrand D
BD
Mental Health Division, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA.
Lehrmann
Jon A
JA
Larson
Gunnar
G
Alverno
Luca
L
Tsao
Carol I
CI
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000523:psychology