Psychological factors may lead to a small number of amputations in adults. They may be classified as being due to:
chronic pain syndrome;
artefactualists;
self-mutilation;
attempted murder.
An understanding of these potential factors will make the amputee clinic team aware of this problem, and help them deal with the rehabilitation of the patient.
References
1.
BaylissR IS. The deceivers (editorial). Br Med J1984; 25 February: 583–584
2.
HunterG AKennardA B. Mania operativa: an uncommon, unrecognized cause of limb amputation. Can J Surg1982; 25: 92–93
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HunterG A. Limb amputation and re-amputation in association with chronic pain syndrome. Prosthet Orthot lnt1985; 9: 92–94
4.
ShapiroDRootB C (1987) Premorbid psychological behaviour in adult train track amputees. Proceedings of the International Seminar on Traumatic Amputations, HerzliaIsrael, Sept 6–11, 1987, SteinHSteinbachT.. IPSO, Copenhagen, 41
5.
WallaceP FFitzmorrisC S. The S-H-A-F-T syndrome in the upper extremity. J Hand Surg1978; 3: 492–494
