Genital self-mutilation in a suicide attempt: a rare sequela of a hypochondriacal delusion of infection with HIV.

Genital self-mutilation is mostly seen among psychotic, affective and gender identity disorder(s). We present here a rare case report of such genital self-mutilation in a person with a hypochondriacal delusion of infection with HIV precipitated by erroneous and anxiety-provoking miscommunication during HIV testing. Such cases remind us of the need for systematic and appropriate pre-test and post-test HIV counseling, to help prevent such outcomes.