A Case of Self‐Enucleation in an Incarcerated Patient: Case Report and Review of Literature

Self‐enucleation is a severe form of self‐injurious behavior which presents as an ophthalmologic and psychiatric emergency. It is usually known to occur with untreated psychosis, however, there have been reports of self‐enucleation across various psychopathologies. We review a case documenting self‐enucleation in the forensic setting in a patient with an unusual presentation and cluster of psychotic symptoms. Literature was reviewed using PubMed/Medline databases with key terms: “forensic science,” “forensic psychiatry,” “auto‐enucleation,” “self‐enucleation,” “Oedipism,” “self‐harm.” This case is unique as it offers an alternative presentation to those most commonly depicted in current literature, helps highlight the sparsity of literature depicting self‐enucleation in the forensic setting, and stimulates discussion around various potential differential diagnoses, management strategies and complications of self‐enucleation within the forensic setting. It is prudent to emphasize need for aggressive and collaborative treatment for the forensic population regardless of psychopathology, presentation, or propensity for secondary gain.