Van Gogh syndrome: A rare case of bilateral ear mutilation

Abstract

Self-injury is the intentional and direct injury to self that include bite, burn, ulceration, and head banging. Repetitive self-mutilation is termed the van Gogh syndrome after Vincent van Gogh a renowned Dutch painter of late 19 th century, who during a bout of psychosis deliberately mutilated his ear. Self-mutilation of ears is a rare condition seen usually in patients with mental illness. An unusual case is presented of a psychotic young man who experienced command auditory hallucinations which directed him to amputate his own ears.