What is
Xenomelia?

Xenomelia is a rare mental health disorder that may require multidisciplinary therapeutic support.

What Is It?

Xenomelia, sometimes referred to as body integrity identity disorder (BIID), is a rare condition where individuals feel a strong desire to amputate or disable a healthy limb. They experience a mismatch between their physical body and internal body image or identity.

Common Experiences

People with xenomelia often feel that a specific limb does not belong to them. This can lead to persistent distress, preoccupation with amputation, and feelings of incompleteness. Some may simulate disability or avoid using the limb to align with their perceived body image.

How It Can Affect You

Xenomelia can cause significant emotional and psychological distress, affecting daily life and relationships. Individuals may feel isolated or misunderstood. Therapy, particularly psychotherapeutic approaches, can help explore underlying feelings, reduce distress, and support identity integration and emotional wellbeing without causing harm to the body.