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Self-enucleation in drug-related psychosis
Antonio Bergua1, Wolfgang Sperling, Michael Küchle
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany. antonio.bergua@augen.imed.uni-erlangen.de
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.