ABSTRACT
Four instances are presented of self-amputation of the pinna of the external ear carried out by three right-handed, white males between January 1993 and May 1993. The common characteristics of these subjects--two men with personality disorder and one with schizophrenia--are discussed and compared with other examples of self-mutilation involving the face and ears, including that of van Gogh. A survey of Australian and New Zealand prisons was conducted to determine the frequency of this form of self-mutilation within the last five years, and yielded only one other case. Connections exist between the amputees supporting the notion that self-mutilation is "contagious"; the relevance of this to issues of management is considered.
Subject(s)
Ear, External/injuries , Personality Disorders/psychology , Prisoners/psychology , Schizophrenia/diagnosis , Schizophrenic Psychology , Self Mutilation/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Antisocial Personality Disorder/diagnosis , Antisocial Personality Disorder/psychology , Humans , Imitative Behavior , Male , Personality Disorders/diagnosis , RecurrenceSubject(s)
Hypertension/psychology , Adult , Female , Humans , Hypertension/etiology , Stress, Psychological/complicationsSubject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/psychology , Fear , Psychophysiologic Disorders , Adult , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
We describe three cases in which vivid visual hallucinations were experienced by elderly female patients who suffered from ocular disorders. The experiences followed the death of the patients' spouses. We discuss the possible association between the Charles Bonnet syndrome and bereavement.
