Mania Operativa: Surgical Addiction

Abstract

The problem of the surgically addicted patient has been recognized in clinical practice for nearly a century, but very few psychiatric investigations have been undertaken on such cases. Distinctions can be made between two types of multi-operated patients-the neurotic and the psychopathic; case examples illustrate both types. The psychopathic type has received some attention in the literature describing Munchausen's syndrome, and some parallels can be drawn. More important, however, than the artificial classification of such patients is the consideration of the psychodynamic aspects of the behavior of both the surgically addicted patient and surgeon. Psychiatric liaison and the psychological training of physicians will aid in the early recognition and treatment of the patient who compulsively seeks surgical mutilation.