Citation

Becker H, Hartmann U. Fortschr. Neurol. Psychiatr. 1997; 65(2): 71-78.

Vernacular Title

Genitale Selbstverletzungen--phanomenologische und differentialdiagnostische

Affiliation

Abt. Klinische Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Zentrum Psychologische Medizin, Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

10.1055/s-2007-996311

PMID

9157049

Abstract

There is only a small number of publications concerning psychiatric aspects of genital-self-mutilation, all of these are case reports. This presentation adds results of self-inflicted genital injuries in another seven males which are discussed in relation to relevant scientific literature focussing on psychopathology and dynamic considerations. It is argued that genital self-mutilations should primarily be considered as symptomatic behavioural patterns and that-beside quasi-normal psychological procedures as part of certain religious or cultural rituals-such acts can be interpreted as a common final pathway of a variety of psychopathological problems. The inclusion of sexually (co-)motivated genital-automutilations in a complete work up and analysis of this topic seems to be reasonable and is advocated by the authors. The assumption that genital self-injuries are more often seen in non-psychotic conditions than in productive psychotic states is substantiated. Finally, the relation between genital automutilations and self-harm in general is discussed and some recommendations on the management are listed.

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