Nonpsychotic, nonparaphilic self-amputation and the internet

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Medical Case Studies

Background:

• Literature often links self-amputation to psychosis or paraphilia.
• Understanding the diverse motivations behind self-amputation is crucial.

Observation:

• Presents a case where self-amputation was not driven by psychosis or sexual motivation.
• The patient identified strongly as an amputee, a core aspect of his identity.

Findings:

• The patient utilized the internet for research and peer support.
• Online communities facilitated information exchange and shared desires for amputation.

Implications:

• Suggests a need to broaden the differential diagnosis for self-amputation.
• Highlights the role of the internet in facilitating extreme self-modification behaviors.