Apotemnophila
Trigger Warning!
Please keep in mind we are talking about mental health/disorders. Read with caution as it may be triggering.
What is Apotemnophilia?
Apotemnophilia, goes by many different names including Amputee Identity Disorder, Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID), and Body Integrity Dysphoria (BID). This is the disorder of wanting to be disabled, have an amputee from an abled-body part, or feeling uncomfortable with being able-bodied.
Currently, it is unclear what the cause of Apotemnophilia is, though some believe it might be caused because of trauma, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, or over-identification with amputees. Others believe it is caused when the brain hasn’t properly mapped the body.
Symptoms
There aren’t many known symptoms for Apotemnophilia other than the desire to amputate an abled body part. While some have said they have no other symptoms, others have said they have mild symptoms including depression and anxiety.
Treatment
While this disorder cannot be cured, there are a few types of treatments. It is not certain that these treatments will work.
Many people try Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a behavior treatment that helps with problem-solving. This could reveal how thoughts affect actions.
Another possible way used is antidepressants (meditaion). This is often used to reduce the stress and depression that often comes with Apotemnophilia.
Others try self-help. They’ll try to get the surgery for the amputation though most surgeons won’t do it if it isn’t necessary. Others will use things such as canes or prosthetics to simulate the feeling. Some might go as far as trying to self-amputate or hurt the limb to the point an amputation becomes necessary.
Conclusion
I hope you all enjoyed learning more about this disorder; it was a lot of fun to research. Thank you all for reading! Enjoy the rest of your day/night and I hope to see you all again soon! Stay safe and lots of love! Bye for now!
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