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Home / Features / BIID / Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by Sean on Wednesday, April 26, 2006

This set of FAQ came from the biid.org site. A lot applies to transabled.org as well, albeit it seems more focused on amputations.

Where does the desire come from?

No one is sure exactly where the desire originates.  For most (dealing with this syndrome), the desire arises early in childhood and they will have a fixed concept of the type of amputation they wish by the teenage years.

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Is there a particular profile that these people fit?

No. These people typically function well in society but carry this desire hidden for years. The only fairly consistent trait is that men seem to be affected by this condition more frequently than women. They tend to be well educated but may suffer recurrent episodes of depression. A person dealing with this condition could be your neighbor.

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Is there any particular pattern that the disorder follows? Are there things that make it better or worse?

It seems that throughout the course of the disorder the desire fluctuates in intensity over time but tends to become more prominent as the individual ages. For some, keeping the mind occupied makes the desire not so strong but on retirement the condition becomes all consuming. However, for others, �??distractional therapy�?� does not seem to make a difference.

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Is there any treatment for this condition?

Right now, there is no Gold Standard for treatment. People dealing with this condition have been evaluated and treated by various psychotherapeutic techniques with or without additional drug therapy. There have been no reported cures for this condition as a result of therapy, but there has been one documented case of remission in which the person has had the desire significantly decreased. To date, this has been the only case of any substantial relief of symptoms through a course of therapy. Anecdotally, patients undergoing surgery for this condition have had their symptoms resolved and no longer suffer with the desire, function better on a daily basis and have had an overall improvement in their lives. Their need of psychotherapeutic services usually ceases.

What treatments have been tried for this condition?

Psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, medications (anti-psychotics and anti-depressants) as well as surgery.

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How should therapists proceed with patients who have this condition?

Right now, there are no established treatment guidelines for dealing with this condition. Psychosis, Depression and other personality disorders must be ruled out. Various medications have been tried, to include anti-depressants and anti-psychotics. To our knowledge, none have been successful in complete resolution of the symptoms. Simply voicing the desire to become an amputee is, of itself, not a reason for hospital admission. In fact, hospital admission is only recommended if the patient poses an immediate danger to him/herself.

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Are there people with other desires for disability?

Yes, there are people with various other desires for disability (the desire to be paralyzed, to be a brace user, to have a joint fused, etc). But this website only addresses those who desire amputation.

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How do people with this condition cope?

People dealing with this condition will often pretend to help alleviate the symptoms. Communicating with others often helps alleviate intense feelings. There are various chat groups and forums in which people dealing with this condition can communicate and share feelings, thoughts and ideas.

Some people have taken matters into their own hands and tried to engineer accidents or used dry ice to alleviate the symptoms. We only know of a few who have been successful, a few that have been unsuccessful and a few who have died attempting. We do not have any firm data on the numbers of people who have been successful, unsuccessful or who have died in an attempt.

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What is the prognosis for BIID Sufferers?

The prognosis for people (dealing) with this condition is unsure. There is no western world surgeon available to carry out amputations for this condition. To date, there have been no psychiatric or therapeutic measures shown to decrease the desire.

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How should you deal with your feelings?

First of all, you should not act on these feelings, especially when they are intensified. Seeking professional help in the form of therapy may be helpful because there would be someone to talk to and to discuss your feelings with. Also, getting involved in one of the online forums may be helpful, but understand that the individuals participating in these online groups will probably not have any more knowledge on the topic than you do. Also be careful to try to ensure that those with whom you are communicating are genuine.

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Should you share these feelings with your family and/or friends?

That is a personal decision that you will have to make. Since this is not a well known disorder or problem, people do not understand this disorder, nor do they understand the people dealing with it. As a result, you will get varied responses in how people react to it and to you. Hiding your feelings can create problems with a partner who may misinterpret your psychological turmoil. A genuine loving and caring partner may in fact help to share the load although they are unlikely to truly understand your feelings. You should give serious thought to sharing your feelings as it is surprising how readily people will accept the apparently �??bizarre�?�.

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What does the future of therapy hold for this disorder?

Right now, there is some consideration for the use of atypical medications, in conjunction with psychotherapy, to help mitigate the symptoms. The effect of these interventions remains to be studied to determine their efficacy.