Childhood Experiences with Disabilities, Hemisphere Dominance and Use of Internet Forums in Those Affected with Body Integrity Dysphoria

Body Integrity Dysphoria (BID), previously also known as Body Identity Integrity Disorder (BIID), is a disorder in which those affected do not perceive body parts as belonging to them and often seek amputation. Aim: The present study addresses the following questions: Do those affected by BID have frequent memories of contact with amputees in childhood or adolescence? Is hemispheric dominance related to the side of the need for amputation? How many affected people use Internet forums to exchange ideas with other affected people? Method: 44 people affected by BID were examined. This group was compared with a parallel sample of non-affected people in terms of age and gender. Results: The proportion of homosexuals and bisexuals in the BID group is significantly higher than in the control group. The BID group has significantly more divorced parents and significantly more amputees in their social environment, but - contrary to the hypothesis - fewer amputees among their parents in childhood and adolescence. 98% of those affected use special BID forums on the Internet. A connection between right- or left-handedness and the need for amputation on the right or left side was not found. Six patients had attempted amputation themselves. Conclusions: The data do not suggest that the need for disability was modelled in childhood.