How would this case be interpreted if the incidence of self-castration was lower in cannabis users than in nonusers? Your case certainly represents a possible association between cannabis and self-mutilation. However, many medications alter neurotransmission in the brain and some of them are administered to stop self-destructive behavior. Marijuana use and/or abuse may be a sign of the patient's self-destructive behavior and not the cause.
Reporting the self-castration as "due to cannabis abuse", is one of many possible explanations for the self-mutilation.
Etiology or coincidence
30 July 2014
How would this case be interpreted if the incidence of self-castration was lower in cannabis users than in nonusers? Your case certainly represents a possible association between cannabis and self-mutilation. However, many medications alter neurotransmission in the brain and some of them are administered to stop self-destructive behavior. Marijuana use and/or abuse may be a sign of the patient's self-destructive behavior and not the cause.
Reporting the self-castration as "due to cannabis abuse", is one of many possible explanations for the self-mutilation.
Competing interests
None.