Male genital self mutilation after paternal death

Abstract

The two patients described here are unusual in that genital mutilation was the first indication of a psychiatric disorder. They are the first cases to be recorded after the recent death of a father. Genital self mutilation after paternal death might be expected on theoretical grounds in individuals with an unresolved oedipal complex. The son may have regarded his father as a potential rival and have felt guilty about his continuing sexual attachment to his mother. Thus the guilt that is part of any bereavement reaction might occasionally be greatly exaggerated. The son might then punish himself by genital injury or castration, thereby carrying out what he considered was his father's wish in an attempt at restitution. Further cases may be prevented by increased awareness. Sons at risk would probably have an undue attachment to mother, an intense ambivalent relationship to their deceased fathers, and a very intense or otherwise abnormal grief reaction.