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A Report of Contagious Self-mutilation in a Maximum-Security Hospital

Richard T. Rada, MD; William James, MD

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1982;39(4):423-429.

Abstract
• Six male patients in a maximum-security hospital committed acts of urethral self-mutilation by insertion of a foreign body. The characteristics of the self-mutilators and of this unusual form of self-mutilation are described. The social contagion aspects of the self-mutilation are strongly suggested by the perpetration of urethral insertion for the first time by five patients after direct personal contact with a previous urethral self-mutilator. Techniques used in the management of these patients are described. Self-mutilation evokes strong emotional responses in staff members, and proper patient management also must include attention to the needs and concerns of treatment staff.

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque (Dr Rada); and the Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Boston (Dr James).

Footnotes
Accepted for publication April 13, 1981.

Reprint requests to College Hospital, 10802 College PI, Cerritos, CA 90701 (Dr Rada).

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