A Neurocognitive Assessment of a Patient with Body Integrity Identity Disorder

Abstract

Objective: Body integrity identity disorder is characterized by a desire to obtain a physical disability, often in the form of amputation. To date, we are aware of no comprehensive investigations of neurocognition in body integrity identity disorder. Method: We report a comprehensive neurocognitive workup of an individual (Mr A), who presented with a longstanding and intense desire to amputate his left leg. Results: In comparison to four demographically matched healthy controls, Mr A exhibited impairment in working memory, with some evidence of additional difficulties with long-term memory. Conclusions: His neurocognitive weaknesses are inline with altered functioning within the superior parietal lobule, which has been implicated in the pathophysiology of body integrity identity disorder.