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(#6) The Majority Of Sufferers Want To Remove A Leg
Dr. Michael First, author of a 2005 study of 52 BIID sufferers, told the New York Times that patients most commonly target the leg. First explained the subjects even knew the exact number of inches above or below the knee that required amputation.
The most frequent disconnect between mind and body came from the left side, whether an arm or leg.
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(#11) A Co-Author Of The 1977 Study Suffered From BIID
Dr. Furth suffered from the disorder he first highlighted for the scientific community in 1977. A co-author on the initial BIID study, Furth went on to serve as a matchmaker of sorts for fellow sufferers of the condition - introducing a select few to doctors willing to perform amputations on healthy limbs.
Although Furth never underwent amputation himself, he spent many years sending BIID patients to Asia for surgery. Before his death from cancer in 2005, Furth handed off his duties to another BIID patient so the procedures could continue.
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(#5) Xenomelia Can Lead To Self-Removal Or Severe Damage Of The Chosen Limb
Several studies note that patients attempted amputations through various methods - and without medical supervision. The 2014 study of 21 German BIID patients reported self-inflicted removal of limbs, with the methods used including "dry ice, a pellet-gun, self-induced infections, medicines, or a railway-coach to roll about the leg."
In an interview with Medium in 2013, "David" admitted he attempted to remove his leg by stopping blood flow to the area and said he later planned to destroy it with dry ice. "Patrick," meanwhile, conducted a test amputation of the first joint of his left index finger, cutting off its blood supply and immersing it in a makeshift numbing agent before hacking off the tip of the digit.
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(#4) Childhood Events May Play A Part In The Disorder
Many BIID subjects reported seeing a person with a disability during their early childhood. Most recalled feeling a sense of jealousy or veneration toward them because they functioned under adverse circumstances.
Interviewed patients - including Dr. Furth - claimed the feeling of an alien body part began at a relatively young. The 2005 group study revealed that 51 of the 52 participants first felt the need to remove a body part before puberty.
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(#12) Most Patients Are Reluctant To Share Information About Their Disorder
Though Dr. Furth publicly proclaimed he suffered from BIID, most patients "are absolutely aware about the absurdity of their wish." The majority of people with BIID hide their condition from others and take great pains to keep their desires a secret.
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(#1) Patients Don't See The Limb As Part Of Their Body
In 2000, Dr. Gregg Furth detailed his obsession with removing his right leg above the knee to Salon. The psychologist told writer Randy Dotinga the desire to amputate his leg dates back to around age 5. Furth says the leg is not part of him and it keeps him from being a whole person.
Other BIID victims report similar feelings that their limb is not an actual part of their being. Many even blame the offending limb for their depression or inability to create lasting relationships.
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This is not the first time David has tried to amputate his leg. When he just graduated, he tried to cut off his leg and then took a tourniquet made of old socks and strong binding thread. Two hours later, the pain became unbearable, and fear weakened his willpower. This is a typical symptom of xenomelia that is a neuropsychiatric disease.
Patients will strongly and persistently believe that one or more of their limbs are not part of their body, they may harm their own healthy limbs, and their thoughts and behaviors are out of control. The random tool explains 12 details about how xenomelia leads healthy individuals to amputate their limbs.
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