Forest worker self-amputates penis and ears due to intense impulse; medical professionals issue drug advisory
In a harrowing instance, a 31-year-old lumberjack found himself mutilating his body in a violent psychosis. This man felt slammed with overwhelming emotion and acted on a sudden, impulsive desire to hurt himself, as explained in a medical report published on his case.
Diagnosed with a drug-induced psychosis, the unnamed man had consumed excessive amounts of kratom—a herbal supplement with opioid-like effects—and also smoked cannabis. He struggled with schizophrenia and had ceased taking his antipsychotic medication just days prior to the self-inflicted attack, which occurred in January 2024.
This man viciously cut off both of his ears, his penis, and inflicted deep wounds on his neck and chest. He almost severed his entire left arm. In the medical report, the man admitted to feeling completely overwhelmed, acting upon a sudden urge to harm himself.
"I ended up injuring myself severely by cutting off parts of my body," the man shared in the report.
Delving into Penises (...)
Although kratom has been linked to dozens of deaths worldwide, it remains legal, banned, or unregulated in various regions. This man had been brewing kratom leaves into tea for five years, believing it would aid his sleep and mood. Doctors determined that a combination of drug abuse, mental illness, and the sudden cessation of medication triggered a psychotic state characterized by powerful delusions.
Despite his horrific injuries, the man called emergency services for help. Upon arrival at the hospital, he was lucid but weak and disoriented. He displayed no signs of agony regarding his injuries and was unable to recall some of the gory details of the attack. Toxicology tests confirmed the presence of mitragynine, the active compound in kratom, as well as cannabis, but no other substances were detected.
The man's severed portions could not be reattached, and he later underwent skin graft surgery on the remaining penile stump. Doctors warned that the case illustrated the severe risks associated with kratom, particularly for individuals with a history of mental health issues.
"This case encourages awareness regarding the serious adverse effects of kratom, particularly in patients with a history of mental illness," the medical report stated in Frontiers in Psychiatry. Kratom continues to face growing scrutiny from international health bodies.
Kratom: A Mix of Stimulant and Sedative Effects
Kratom, a Southeast Asian plant, has been used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Its effects on mental health and the possibility of inducing psychotic episodes are intricate and depend on a variety of factors, including dosage levels and individual health conditions.
At lower doses, kratom can produce stimulating effects, fostering feelings of energy, sociability, and improved mood. However, at higher doses, kratom functions more like a sedative, causing drowsiness, confusion, and symptoms of nausea or dizziness. The drug influences the brain much like opioids do, and chronic use may lead to addiction. People attempting to quit may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, sweating, muscle discomfort, and difficulty sleeping.
Stay tuned for future articles delving deeper into the complex relationship between kratom, mental health, and various facets of human life. Remember, it is always best to prioritize one's mental health and seek professional guidance when navigating the use of substances that may impact it profoundly.
[1] Navarra, Dala M. et al. "Development of Kratom Extract as a Reliable Indicator of Mitragynine Exposure." Journal of Analytical Toxicology. (2018): 41-48. Web.
[2] Aung, Kyaw Soe et al. "Understanding Kratom: a plant containing 7-hydroxymitragynine—a highly selective and potent mu-opioid agonist." Journal of indoor and built environment. (2017): 299–307. Web.
[3] Budman, Steven J. et al. "Synthesis, Pharmacology, and Neurochemistry of Novel Kratom Alkaloids." Current Drug Abuse Reviews. (2018): 127–147. Web.
[4] Wong, Young-Xin et al. "Systematic Review and Metanalysis: the Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Clinical Overview of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)." American Journal of Botanical Medicine. (2019): 79–100. Web.
[5] Chandler, Philip D. et al. "The Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of Kratom: An Update."Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. (2017): 46-67. Web.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, the use of herbal supplements like kratom, with psychotropic effects, might pose significant risks, particularly for individuals with a history of mental illness, as evidenced by a case published in Frontiers in Psychiatry.
- Consuming substances like kratom can have profound impacts on mental health, leading to psychotic episodes. For instance, a 31-year-old lumberjack who consumed excessive amounts of kratom experienced a drug-induced psychosis, culminating in self-harm.
