Blindness as a Result of Self-Enucleation: Three Schizophrenia Cases

Self-injurious behavior (self-mutilation) has been described as a behavior resulting in deliberate destruction of body tissue without the intention of suicide. Self-enucleation is a very rare self- mutilative behavior and is specifically associated with paranoid delusions or auditory hallucinations in the schizophrenia. Self-enucleation also can be seen in the first episode or prodromal period of psychotic disorders. In this paper, three schizophrenia cases who have blindness as a result of self-enucleation are reported. (Arc-hi-ves of Neu-ropsy-chi-atry 2012; 49: 152-156)