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Self-cannibalism: the man who eats himself.

Atakan Yilmaz1, Emrah Uyanik1, Melike C Balci Şengül2

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Tekirdağ State Hospital, Tekirdağ, Turkey.

The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
|September 24, 2014
PubMed
Summary

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This case report details a unique instance of self-cannibalism following intentional self-mutilation. A prisoner presented with a leg laceration, which he had inflicted and subsequently consumed.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Medical Case Reports

Background:

  • Self-mutilation, defined as intentional self-harm without suicidal intent, encompasses diverse behaviors.
  • While documented in various clinical contexts, self-cannibalism following self-mutilation remains an unreported phenomenon in medical literature.

Observation:

  • A 34-year-old male prisoner was admitted to the emergency department due to a significant laceration on his right leg.
  • Physical examination revealed a distinct, rectangular soft tissue defect on the anterior aspect of his right thigh.
  • Prison authorities reported that the patient used a knife to inflict the wound and subsequently consumed the excised flesh.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first documented instance of self-cannibalism occurring directly after an act of self-mutilation.

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  • The patient's behavior presents a complex interplay of severe self-harm and auto-cannibalistic actions.

    • Implications:

    • This extreme presentation necessitates further investigation into the psychological and potential biological underpinnings of such behaviors.
    • Understanding the motivations and potential psychiatric comorbidities associated with self-mutilation and self-cannibalism is crucial for effective clinical management and forensic assessment.
    • The case highlights the need for comprehensive psychiatric evaluation in forensic settings to address severe self-directed harm.