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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Characterization of the Sense of Agency over the Actions of Neural-machine Interface-operated Prostheses
Published on: January 7, 2019
Nonpsychotic, nonparaphilic self-amputation and the internet
Bertrand D Berger1, Jon A Lehrmann, Gunnar Larson
1Mental Health Division, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA.
Abstract:
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.
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