Open Access
Subscription or Fee Access
BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER: CASE REPORT
Abstract
SUMMARY
The desire for self-mutilation in the absence of any discernible psychopathology is relatively
rare. Self-mutilation is most commonly a manifestation of an underlying psychopathology such
as depression, schizophrenia, personality disorder, transexuality, body dysmorphic disorder and
factitious disorder. In this article, a case in which a 29-year-old single Kenyan lady of African
origin demanded a surgical operation to modify and reduce the size of her external genitalia is
presented. Although female genital mutilation is still widespread in the country, this case is of
interest in that the woman did not seek the usual circumcision but sought to specifi cally reduce
the size of her labia minora so that she could feel like a normal woman. The unique challenges
in her management are discussed. Possible aetiological factors in patients who demand surgical
removal or modifi cation of parts of their bodies without an obvious cause is discussed.
The desire for self-mutilation in the absence of any discernible psychopathology is relatively
rare. Self-mutilation is most commonly a manifestation of an underlying psychopathology such
as depression, schizophrenia, personality disorder, transexuality, body dysmorphic disorder and
factitious disorder. In this article, a case in which a 29-year-old single Kenyan lady of African
origin demanded a surgical operation to modify and reduce the size of her external genitalia is
presented. Although female genital mutilation is still widespread in the country, this case is of
interest in that the woman did not seek the usual circumcision but sought to specifi cally reduce
the size of her labia minora so that she could feel like a normal woman. The unique challenges
in her management are discussed. Possible aetiological factors in patients who demand surgical
removal or modifi cation of parts of their bodies without an obvious cause is discussed.
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
