A Case of Genital Self-Mutilation in a Female-Symptom Choice and Meaning

J Sex Marital Ther. 2017 Aug 18;43(6):560-566. doi: 10.1080/0092623X.2016.1208699. Epub 2016 Jul 11.

Abstract

Self-mutilation is understood as any willful gesture or alteration of the body tissue without a suicidal intent. The most common self-mutilating gestures are, to a great extent, those that are superficial or moderate, such as cuts, burns, or bites. The most severe, as is the case of genital self-mutilation (GSM), are extremely rare and, in most cases, observed in patients suffering from psychosis. Furthermore, they are mostly reported from a surgical standpoint. Here, we report the case of a 20-year-old female patient who resorted to the emergency department after having amputated her clitoris with surgical scissors. This dramatic gesture, coupled with the patient's narrative, prompted for differential diagnosis between a psychotic syndrome and a severe personality disorder. We propose that, despite the magnitude of the self-harm, it is possible to conceptualize this GSM within a disturbed personality with significant sexuality issues and, therefore, this case report aims to broaden the limits that have been associated with the self-mutilating gestures in borderline personality disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Genitalia, Female / injuries*
  • Genitalia, Female / pathology
  • Humans
  • Personality Disorders / psychology
  • Self Mutilation / psychology*
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / psychology*
  • Urologic Surgical Procedures
  • Young Adult