http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/178/1/86-a The British Journal of Psychiatry (2001) 178: 86-87 Correspondence Penile self-mutilation M. S. Bhatia and S. Arora Department of Psychiatry, University College of Medical Sciences, Dilshad Garden, Delhi-110095, India [...] A 24-year-old male was referred from a surgical ward for psychiatric evaluation after he had severed his penis with a knife. [...] On examination of his mental state, the patient was a pleasant and polite individual. Rapport was easily established. There was no evidence of any thought disorder, depression or perceptual abnormality. His orientation, memory and other higher mental functions were also normal. His explanation for penile self-mutilation was that he did not want to succumb to any sexual temptation which could obstruct his way to salvation. The case is rare as he did not have any underlying psychiatric illness. His over-valued idea that sexual or married life is contradictory to religious life is also not compatible with Hinduism. The subject did not have any sexual preoccupations but in his apprehension to save himself from any forthcoming sexual temptations, he performed penile self-mutilation.
