A case of cannibalistic behaviour in psychosis: Clinical and forensic considerations

Cannibalistic behaviour is an exceptionally rare phenomenon in psychiatric practice, particularly when necrophagic acts occur without homicide. Its occurrence raises complex clinical and forensic questions regarding criminal responsibility, risk assessment, and the interface between psychopathology and extreme behaviour.

We report the case of a 48-year-old ultra-Orthodox Jewish man with schizoaffective disorder and complex developmental trauma. He presented with post-traumatic stress and psychotic symptoms after volunteering with a disaster victim identification organisation in the aftermath of the October 7th, 2023 terror attack. The clinical course, psychiatric evaluation, and management are described.

This case highlights the need to contextualise extreme behaviours within severe psychiatric decompensation. We compared this case with previously reported psychosis-related cannibalism, which more often involves homicide and consuming victims, and with typologies of sadism. This behaviour is best conceptualised as opportunistic necrophagic, psychosis-associated cannibalism with paraphilic features. Such presentations raise important considerations regarding forensic risk assessment and trauma-informed treatment. The case underscores the need for nuanced, formulation-based approaches to cannibalistic behaviour in forensic psychiatry.