Severe self-mutilation among Kenyan psychotics.

Four case reports are presented of psychotic patients seen in clinical practice in Nairobi over a period of one year, who inflicted serious bodily harm to themselves during that period. Possible psychopathological basis for this self-damage is briefly considered. A review of the literature reveals paucity of similar reports from Africa and the third world. Reasons for this paucity are hard to come by.