Why some people feel an overwhelming desire to become amputees
In short: While most people undergo surgery to save a limb from infection or trauma, a rare condition exists where individuals actively seek amputation. This phenomenon, known as Body Integrity Identity Disorder, involves a profound psychological drive to live with a physical disability.
In the medical field, amputation is typically a life-saving or life-altering necessity. It is often performed to treat severe infections, gangrene resulting from peripheral arterial disease, complications from diabetes, or serious trauma like crush or blast wounds. Surgeons may also perform the procedure if a limb is deformed or has limited movement and function. To prepare for such a significant change, patients undergo thorough medical examinations of their cardiovascular and respiratory systems, alongside psychological assessments to ensure they can cope with the emotional impact.
However, Body Integrity Identity Disorder, or BIID, presents a different psychological profile. For those living with BIID, there is an overwhelming desire to become an amputee. This condition is not limited to the loss of limbs; it can also include individuals who feel a desire to experience other forms of disability, such as paralysis or deafness.
The surgical process itself is highly controlled. Depending on the body part involved, surgeons may use a general anaesthetic or an epidural or spinal anaesthetic to numb the lower half of the body. In many cases, the procedure involves removing only a section of a limb rather than the entire extremity. To improve post-operative function and reduce complications, surgeons may use a technique called myodesis, where the muscle is stitched directly to the bone, and they may smooth the bone to ensure it is adequately covered by soft tissue.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The People Who Want to Become Amputees
- Also: Amputation
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