The People Who Want to Become Amputees

TL;DR

People with Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) have an overwhelming desire to become amputees or have a disability, often starting in childhood. While the cause is not fully understood, surgery to amputate the desired limb has been found to be the most effective treatment.

Transcript

hello I'm Simon Whistler you're watching today I found out and in the video today we're looking at the people who want to become amputees just before we get started with today's video I do want to say that it is brought to you by glasses USA glasses USA cuts out the middleman and offers prescription glasses at up to 70% off retail shop online for p... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ BIID is a rare condition where individuals have an overwhelming desire to become amputees or have a disability.
• 🧗 The desire to become an amputee often stems from the belief that the limb does not belong to their body, rather than sexual desire.
• 🧠 The cause of BIID is not fully understood, with hypotheses suggesting brain abnormalities or admiration for amputees.
• 🧗 Traditional psychological treatments have shown little success, while surgery to amputate the limb has provided long-term satisfaction for some patients.
• 👨‍⚕️ Surgery for BIID is controversial, and few doctors are willing to perform the procedure.
• ❓ Patients who cannot undergo surgery often resort to using assistive devices or pretending to have a disability, although these methods are rarely satisfying.
• 🥺 Some individuals with BIID have attempted self-amputation, which carries significant risks and can lead to life-threatening complications.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID)?

BIID is a condition where individuals have an overwhelming desire to become amputees or have a disability, often starting in childhood. They feel that the limb does not belong to their body.

Q: What are some common reasons behind the desire to become amputees?

While sexual desire is sometimes linked to BIID, it is usually secondary. The primary reason is the strong belief that the limb does not belong to their body.

Q: What are the proposed causes of BIID?

The prevalent hypothesis suggests that BIID may originate in the right parietal lobe of the brain, where the mental map of the body is located. Other theories include admiration for amputees or genetic factors.

Q: What treatments are available for BIID?

Traditional psychological treatments have shown limited effectiveness. Some patients have found moderate success with movement therapy targeted towards the desired amputated limb. However, surgery to amputate the limb has proven to be the most effective treatment for some patients.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) is a condition where individuals feel a persistent urge to become amputees or have a disability.

• The desire to become an amputee is often rooted in the belief that the limb does not belong to their body.

• Treatment options are limited, with surgery being the most controversial yet effective method for some patients.