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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior

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Genital self-mutilation in depression: a case report.

K Nagaraja Rao¹, G Bharathi, Sameeran Chate

¹K. NAGARAJA RAO, M.D., Professor & Head, Department of Psychiatry, J.J.M. Medical College, Davangere-577004.

Indian Journal of Psychiatry

|January 6, 2011

Summary

Genital self-mutilation, a severe self-harm behavior, is rarely seen in Major Depressive Disorder. This case report details an unusual instance in an elderly male, exploring contributing psychosocial factors.

Keywords:

Depression Genital self-mutilation

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Area of Science:

Psychiatry
Clinical Psychology
Behavioral Science

Background:

Genital self-mutilation is a rare and severe form of self-injurious behavior.
Typically associated with psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and affective psychosis, often involving delusions and hallucinations.
Previous attributions include sexual conflicts, distorted body image, internalized aggression, and suicidal intent.

Purpose of the Study:

To report an unusual case of genital self-mutilation.
To describe this phenomenon in a patient diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.
To discuss the relevant psychosocial factors in this specific case.

Main Methods:

Case report presentation.
Detailed clinical observation and patient history.
Psychosocial assessment and analysis.

Main Results:

Genital self-mutilation occurred in an 82-year-old male with Major Depressive Disorder.
The case presented with unusual features not typically associated with this behavior.
Psychosocial factors were identified and discussed in relation to the self-mutilation.

Conclusions:

Major Depressive Disorder can present with severe self-injurious behaviors like genital self-mutilation, even in elderly individuals.
This case highlights the need to consider a broader range of psychiatric conditions when evaluating genital self-mutilation.
Further research into the specific psychosocial triggers for self-mutilation in depressive disorders is warranted.