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Published on: November 19, 2011
Self-inflicted enucleation of both eyes
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Self-injurious behavior, particularly severe eye enucleation, is often linked to psychosis. This review discusses two schizophrenia patients exhibiting this behavior, highlighting pain absence and management challenges.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Self-injurious behavior (SIB) encompasses a range of actions causing harm.
- Serious and bizarre SIB is frequently associated with psychotic disorders.
- Ocular self-mutilation, specifically self-inflicted enucleation, is a rare but severe manifestation.
Observation:
- This study reviews existing literature on self-inflicted eye enucleation.
- Two new cases of patients with schizophrenia who self-enucleated are presented.
- Key observations include the absence of pain and lack of concern in affected individuals.
Findings:
- Self-inflicted enucleation is strongly associated with schizophrenia and psychosis.
- The phenomenon may involve a disconnect between self-harm and pain perception.
- Patient management requires specialized psychiatric and potentially surgical interventions.
Implications:
- Understanding the psychological underpinnings of SIB in psychosis is crucial for effective treatment.
- Further research into pain perception and self-mutilation is warranted.
- Clinical protocols for managing severe SIB in psychotic patients need refinement.
