Research Information System
KLINIK PSIKIYATRI DERGISI, vol.17, pp.134-137, 2014 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Self-mutilation is described as someone's self harm without conscious suicidal intention. Self-mutilation prevalence in schizophrenia stated as 15-20%. Significant
amount of body tissueharmingactsarenamed as major
self-mutilation. There are many examples of major selfmutilation like self-inoculation, self-castration, self-limb
amputation and self-major surgery. Apsychotic illness
was documented in 75.6% of major self-mutilation
cases, and 83.2% were diagnosed with one of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Herein,
we would like to reporta 26 year old male patient who
was diagnosed with schizophrenia 7 years ago, and
amputated one of his testicles and put cherryseeds in his
scrotum according to his somatic delusions 3 years ago.
Patient was operated after this incident, and hospitalized
in our psychiatry clinic three times in last 3 years. In thislast time, patient was referredtous by urology department because of his beliefs about his testicles were
meltingandhe wanted togetthemen larged. Patient was
hospitalized and observed for almost 2 months and
treated with clozapine 600 mg/day and amisupride 800
mg/day. He was discharged from our clinic as his psychotic symptoms declined. Major self-mutilation can be
seen as a symptom in psychotic patients and cause irreversible injuries. With proper intervention, the harm can
be minimized. Therefore we should examine and inspect
self-mutilation closely in psychotic patients, especially in
cases with somatic and mystic delusions.