One‐year follow‐up of amputation as a curative treatment for body integrity dysphoria: A case report

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Elective amputation as a treatment for Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) or Body Integrity Dysphoria (BID) where noninvasive treatments prove ineffective and the patient's distress is substantial, may permit long‐term remission of symptoms at follow‐up. Abstract We present the one‐year follow‐up post‐surgery of an ambidextrous male who sought elective amputation of his left hand's fourth and fifth fingers after an unsuccessful trial of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for Body Integrity Dysphoria. He had no psychiatric comorbidities. At one‐year follow‐up, his dysphoria was still in remission. He exhibited full adaptation in his social and occupational life, demonstrating increased ease in hand use compared to pre‐amputation. He reported sleeping well, happiness, good health and continued acceptance by friends and family. This one‐year post‐surgery follow‐up, at 22 years old, underscores the efficacy of amputation as a curative treatment, high patient satisfaction, and the quality of life gained through the procedure.

Keywords

• amputation
• body dysmorphic disorder
• body dysphoria
• psychopharmacology
• psychotherapy
• somatoform disorder