Autobone is a term that refers to cannibalism, where a person consumes their own tissue as food. This is a rare mental disorder in which the person suffering from it gnaws, bites or tears off pieces of their own flesh and then swallows them.
Autobone is believed to occur due to severe psychological problems such as severe depression, anxiety disorders or psychosis. People with autobone often have impaired body image and experience a strong sense of alienation from their physical self. Gnawing and eating their own flesh may be seen by them as a way to cope with stress or to “punish” themselves.
Autologous bone can lead to serious tissue damage and wound infection. Treatment includes psychotherapy and, if necessary, drug therapy. It is important to help the patient understand the reasons for this behavior and learn to constructively cope with the psychological problems that cause autogenous bone. Support from loved ones and doctors plays an important role in recovery.