[Attempted suicide by snake bite. Case report and literature survey]

Nervenarzt. 2008 May;79(5):604-6. doi: 10.1007/s00115-008-2431-4.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Unusual suicide attempts often remain undetected, and bizarre methods can be a clue to psychotic origin. We report a suicide attempt by proxy--the bite of a puff adder--and provide a brief literature survey about further archaic self-injurious behaviour. Due to the easy availability of venomous snakes and the close networking of suicidal patients via the Internet, an increase in similar cases can be anticipated. A failed suicide attempt should always be considered in patients surviving bizarre accidents.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Snake Bites / diagnosis*
  • Snake Bites / therapy*
  • Suicide, Attempted*
  • Viperidae*