A Case of Self-Enucleation in an Incarcerated Patient: Case Report and Review of Literature

Journal of Forensic Sciences
Lauren E Davis, Samidha Tripathi

Abstract

Self-enucleation is a severe form of self-injurious behavior which presents as an ophthalmologic and psychiatric emergency. It is usually known to occur with untreated psychosis, however, there have been reports of self-enucleation across various psychopathologies. We review a case documenting self-enucleation in the forensic setting in a patient with an unusual presentation and cluster of psychotic symptoms. Literature was reviewed using PubMed/Medline databases with key terms: "forensic science," "forensic psychiatry," "auto-enucleation," "self-enucleation," "Oedipism," "self-harm." This case is unique as it offers an alternative presentation to those most commonly depicted in current literature, helps highlight the sparsity of literature depicting self-enucleation in the forensic setting, and stimulates discussion around various potential differential diagnoses, management strategies and complications of self-enucleation within the forensic setting. It is prudent to emphasize need for aggressive and collaborative treatment for the forensic population regardless of psychopathology, presentation, or propensity for secondary gain.

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Citations

Dec 26, 2018·Scottish Medical Journal·Emma Samia-AlySuresh Sagili
Aug 17, 2021·Journal of Psychiatric Practice·Polyxeni VasilopoulouGerasimos N Konstantinou

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