Genital Self-Amputation and the Klingsor Syndrome

Abstract

Two psychotic individuals, who performed acts of genital self-amputation, are presented. One of the patients had self-mutilated with the intention of suicide and had also in the past amputated his hand. Psychotic patients with delusions (often religious), sexual conflict associated with guilt, past suicide attempts or other self-destructive behaviour and depression, severe childhood deprivation, and major premorbid personality disorder, are the group at risk for genital self-amputation. It has been proposed that the eponym, the “Klingsor” syndrome, be applied only to acts of genital self-mutilation, involving religious delusions. The author suggests that this syndrome should be expanded to include all cases of genital self-mutilation resulting from a psychotic illness.