Annotated Bibliography: Nursing Case Study Explored

Braam, Arjan W., et al. “Investigation of the Syndrome of Apotemnophilia and Course of a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy.” Psychopathology, vol. 39, no. 1, 2005, pp. 32–37., doi:10.1159/000089661. 

This source is an empirical study that focuses on a single case of Apotemnophilia where cognitive behavioral therapy and SSRI’s were used to help the man overcome his disorder. Examining this one case, though it is impossible to be completely thorough with such a small sample size, did give some insight into how the current treatment model functions. The use of the therapy and SSRI’s did not seem to alleviate most of the disconcerting behavior associated with this disorder and therefore needs further research to come up with better treatment options for these patients. It is important to review case studies like this one because it gives a personal look into how the disorder affects real people and what the treatment options truly look like. Ultimately this source will be used as anecdotal evidence to illustrate the need for improved research into the disorder that will allow for better treatment goals in the long run. 

Brang, David, et al. "Apotemnophilia: A Neurological Disorder." Neuroreport, vol. 19 no. 13, 2008, pp. 1305-1306.

This source presents the findings of an empirical study that Apotemnophilia (the longstanding desire for a particular limb to be amputated) has its causal roots not in aberrant psychology as was once thought, but in a congenital dysfunction in the right superior parietal lobe in the brain. This study was done on two individuals with Apotemnophilia through measuring skin conductive response (SCR) via Ag–AgCl electrodes pinpricking both above and below the desired amputation location. Both of the subjects were right-handed and had shared this desire for amputation since they were children. There were no other psychological irregularities in their medical histories. Results indicate, “Across the line of amputation in both the left and right legs, there was a threefold difference below the line of amputation compared to above it” (Brang et al. 1307). It is the right superior parietal lobe which receives input and relates to body image. A dysfunction in this communication may lead Apotemnophilia to believe they can only be “right” if the limb is removed to correspond with their body image. This study/finding is of critical importance to this case, as the ethics of neurological disorders such as Huntington's Disease are keenly different from psychological ones. The entire article (it is short) is vital for the paper to come.

Everaerd, Walter. “A Case of Apotemnophilia: A Handicap as Sexual Preference.” American Journal of Psychotherapy, vol. 37, no. 2, 1983, pp. 285–293., doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.1983.37.2.285.

This source is an empirical case study that looks at a man who wanted to have his leg amputated due to this condition. The study looks into this life and his desire for amputation, noting that he had a sexual preference toward amputees and thus wanted his own amputation. Not every case of apotemnophilia is sexual in nature but it is important to note every form of the disorder so that there can be a complete and complex evaluation of the condition as a whole. While this study only looks at one individual it can provide the paper with substantial anecdotal evidence for how this condition manifests which will help draw conclusion ultimately. 

Money, John, et al. “Apotemnophilia: Two Cases of Self‐Demand Amputation as a Paraphilia.” The Journal of Sex Research, vol. 13, no. 2, 1977, pp. 115–125., doi:10.1080/00224497709550967.

This source is an empirical study comparing two cases of apotemnophilia in an attempt to better understand the etymology of the disorder. The study examines the connection of this disorder to other disorders like Munchausen syndrome and therefore gives it more validity as a true disorder. It looks into the sexual eroticism with amputation and handicap treatment which is a fascinating part of this disorder and something that can be very distressing and embarrassing for the patients dealing with these symptoms.  Once again, this source can be used for anecdotal evidence along with another strong reason for increased research into this disorder. 

Ramachandran, V.s., and Paul Mcgeoch. “Can Vestibular Caloric Stimulation Be Used to Treat Apotemnophilia?” Medical Hypotheses, vol. 69, no. 2, 2007, pp. 250–252., doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2006.12.013.

This source is an empirical study that is looking at a direct question for a new method of treatment for Apotemnophilia. Caloric stimulation is a process that affects the vestibular nerve that may cause a desensitization of the need for amputation. This form of treatment may be successful, even if it needed to be repeated multiple times, and therefore would change the way that people deal with this disorder. Ultimately this study is important in regard to the paper because it gives a treatment option that is not behavioral or psychological which can be beneficial when getting patients to utilize it. Also, it seems that the traditional treatment methods are not functional so if this new way is, then it becomes the best and easiest way to treat a condition that was previously untreatable.