title: Genital self-mutilation in a suicide attempt: a rare sequela of a hypochondriacal delusion of infection with HIV.
abstract: Genital self-mutilation is mostly seen among psychotic, affective and gender identity disorder(s). We present here a rare case report of such genital self-mutilation in a person with a hypochondriacal delusion of infection with HIV precipitated by erroneous and anxiety-provoking miscommunication during HIV testing. Such cases remind us of the need for systematic and appropriate pre-test and post-test HIV counseling, to help prevent such outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Kshirod K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Mishra
authors.forename: Srikanth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.forename: Praveen
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Khairkar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D003702:Delusions / Q000523:psychology*; D005835:Genitalia; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D006998:Hypochondriasis / Q000523:psychology*; D059012:Lost to Follow-Up; D008297:Male; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000523:psychology*; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: AIDS; HIV; genital self-mutilation; high-risk behaviour; sexual behaviour; testing