Autophagy is the process of the body consuming its own tissue, which can also refer to a psychological condition characterized by the desire to do so. Mild forms of autophagy are common, but severe cases involve self-mutilation and resemble cannibalism. The causes are not fully understood, but treatment involves addressing both the psychological and physiological causes of the behavior.
Autophagy is both a name for the process of eating parts of one’s body and a term used to describe a psychological condition characterized by the desire to do so. This term can also refer to the natural processes the body uses to consume its own tissue, either as a response to severe hunger or to remove old or dead cells from the body. A mild version of this behavior is common in most men and women. No single clear cause has been identified to explain more severe cases of autophagy, but in some cases the condition is linked to pica, the urge to consume inedible objects, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Most humans engage in mild forms of autophagy with some regularity. This behavior is typically limited to nail biting and chewing on dead skin on fingertips or lips. This type of behavior can be indicative of high levels of stress, but is not normally a cause for concern.
In severe cases, the behavior involves self-mutilation and comes to resemble a form of cannibalism. The behavior often manifests as a more extreme version of the normal types of autophagy that are a part of everyday human life. A man or woman could inflict serious injury on their fingers or even gnaw them off altogether. Instances where a tool of some sort is used to cut off a body part are usually classified differently, as varieties of autocannibalism.
The precise reasons for this type of behavior are not fully understood. In some cases, the behavior is thought to be an extension of other, milder OCD symptoms. Other cases may involve the same underlying impulses that fuel pica. These cases may result from a combination of actual malnutrition, psychological distress, and abnormal signaling in the parts of the brain responsible for directing appetite.
Some cases may result from a desire to experience sensation, perhaps due to a loss of sensory input from other sources. Patients, especially the elderly, who experience sensory loss may try to compensate for this by seeking stronger stimuli. A further explanation for this condition posits that this behavior is driven by a desire to inflict pain on the body, perhaps as a result of ingrained sexual problems or in an attempt to cope with stress, but this too has not been conclusive. established.
Healthcare professionals responsible for treating autophagy must address both the psychological or physiological causes of the behavior and any physical injuries. Treatment typically includes standard wound care to speed healing and prevent infection. Symptoms of OCD, if present, are usually treated with medication or therapy. Any other pronounced psychological conditions are also addressed, and potential emotional stressors are removed if they can be identified.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
