A Case of Self-Cannibalism: An Extremely Rare Type of Self-Mutilation With Multiple Risk Factors

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2021 Apr 1;209(4):237-239. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001265.

Abstract

Self-mutilation is a behavior often associated with various psychiatric diseases, and it has various risk factors. Self-cannibalism, an extremely rare form of self-mutilation, can also be observed in the absence of psychosis and substance abuse. This study reports a case of self-cannibalism with multiple risk factors including history of substance use, previous self-mutilation actions, suicidal attempts, antisocial personality disorder, imprisonment, and active symptoms associated with untreated schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / psychology*
  • Cannibalism / psychology*
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Olanzapine / therapeutic use
  • Prisoners*
  • Risk Factors
  • Risperidone / therapeutic use
  • Schizophrenia* / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia* / drug therapy
  • Self Mutilation / psychology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Risperidone
  • Olanzapine