The effect of testosterone on psychopathology and sexual function in a paranoid schizophrenic self-castrate

It has been suggested that the administration of androgens to paranoid schizophrenics who castrate themselves because of religious delusions and sexual guilt might exacerbate the psychosis and increase the risk of further self-mutilation. We administered testosterone enanthate to such a case intermittently during his 12 week hospital stay and studied simultaneously, psychopathology (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and clinical assessment), hormone levels and sexual behaviours. Sexual behaviours increased in line with increased serum testosterone levels; psychopathology declined. Following his discharge, he was managed on a regime of phenothiazines and monthly testosterone injections. After one year, he was enjoying normal heterosexual activities (without guilt) although his extreme religiosity had not declined.