'Experimental' self-mutilation

The patient's acts had specific 'experimental' and 'surgical' purposes. This unusual attitude seems to have reflected a wish to deny his inability to control his body by playing an active role in its destruction. He could then feel that he was losing body parts because this was his wish. He also acted as though only a part of himself (e.g., his finger) was incapable of healing itself and removed the helpless part by amputation.