Male genital self-mutilation as a psychotic solution

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Urology

Background:

• Male genital self-mutilation (GSM) is a rare but severe phenomenon.
• Risk factors include religious delusions, low self-esteem, guilt, and developmental issues.
• The Klingsor Syndrome eponym is proposed for GSM with religious delusions.

Observation:

• Presents four male cases of GSM.
• Diagnoses included schizophrenia, depressive disorder, and bipolar depression with psychotic features.

Findings:

• Discusses motives and cultural aspects of GSM.
• Proposes 'atonement' as a new concept for religiously themed psychotic male GSM.

Implications:

• Highlights the need for understanding complex psychological and cultural factors in GSM.
• Suggests new conceptual frameworks for diagnosing and treating religiously motivated GSM.