Self-enucleation in Depression: a Case Report

Self- enucleation is a rare and an extreme form of self - mutilation, most commonly reported in schizophrenia. Many forms of self - injuries have been described in depression. However severe form of self- mutilation without suicidal intention, especially self- enucleation is rarely reported. In the present case self- enucleation is described as an expression of aggression in a depressive patient threatened with inter-personal loss. Aggression turned inwards is one of the major psychodynamic explanations in depression. In depressive syndrome self- mutilation, whether mild or severe is an expression of loss of affective (aggression) control.