Body integrity identity disorder

Body integrity identity disorder (BIID), also known as body identity integrity disorder or amputee identity disorder, is a psychological condition in which an individual feels compelled to remove or disable a part of their body. The disorder is typically accompanied by the desire to amputate one or more healthy limbs to achieve a physical state that aligns with the person's body image.

History

The term "Body integrity identity disorder" was introduced in 2004 by Michael First, a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University. Prior to this, the condition was often referred to as "apotemnophilia", a term coined by psychologists Gregg Furth and Robert Smith in the 1970s. However, this term was criticized for focusing on the sexual aspects of the condition, which are not present in all cases.

Symptoms

People with BIID often experience a persistent and intense desire to amputate one or more healthy limbs. They may also wish to become paralyzed or blind. This desire is often accompanied by feelings of anxiety and depression, and can lead to self-harm or attempts at self-amputation.

Causes

The exact cause of BIID is unknown, but it is believed to be a neurological condition rather than a psychopathological one. Some researchers suggest that it may be related to a mismatch between the individual's physical body and their body image, similar to gender dysphoria.

Treatment

There is currently no standard treatment for BIID. Some individuals find relief through cognitive behavioral therapy or pharmacotherapy, while others may resort to self-amputation or seek surgical amputation. The ethics of providing surgical amputations for individuals with BIID is a topic of ongoing debate in the medical community.

See also

• Body dysmorphic disorder
• Somatoparaphrenia
• Xenomelia