Biting Mania: A Review of its Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Abstract
Biting mania is a rare psychiatric disorder characterized by episodes of biting or chewing behaviors. Despite its limited prevalence, it is important to recognize this disorder in order to provide effective treatment and improve patient outcomes. This review aims to provide an overview of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of biting mania. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies. Results indicated that the etiology of biting mania is multifactorial, most likely involving a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The diagnosis of the disorder is complicated by the lack of well-defined diagnostic criteria and the overlap with other psychiatric disorders. The treatment of biting mania is also difficult and involves a combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. Current evidence suggests that the most successful treatments are those that address the underlying cause of the disorder, such as mood disorders, developmental disorders, and complex trauma.
Keywords: biting mania, etiology, diagnosis, treatment
Introduction
Biting mania is a rare psychiatric disorder characterized by episodes of biting or chewing behaviors. It is associated with significant distress and impairment in functioning, leading to significant distress for both the patient and their family. Despite its limited prevalence, it is important to recognize this disorder in order to provide effective treatment and improve patient outcomes. This review aims to provide an overview of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of biting mania.
Etiology
The etiology of biting mania is poorly understood. Previous theories have suggested that the disorder may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including a family history of psychiatric disorders, environmental stressors, and traumatic experiences. More recent studies have focused on the role of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in the etiology of the disorder, such as abnormalities in the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of biting mania is complicated by the lack of well-defined diagnostic criteria and the overlap with other psychiatric disorders. Patients typically present with episodes of biting or chewing behaviors that are not better explained by another psychiatric disorder. Commonly reported symptoms include aggressive behavior, impulsivity, and irritability. In addition, patients may also present with social withdrawal, poor impulse control, and poor attention.
Treatment
The treatment of biting mania is difficult and involves a combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers are commonly used to manage the symptoms of the disorder. Psychotherapy can also be helpful in managing the underlying causes of the disorder, such as mood disorders, developmental disorders, and complex trauma. In addition, behavior modification techniques can be used to reduce the frequency and severity of the biting episodes.
Conclusion
Biting mania is a rare psychiatric disorder characterized by episodes of biting or chewing behaviors. The etiology of the disorder is multifactorial, likely involving a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The diagnosis is complicated by the lack of well-defined criteria and the overlap with other psychiatric disorders. The treatment of the disorder is also challenging and involves a combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Capece, F., Maestri, R., & Miniati, M. (2018). Biting mania: A review. CNS Spectrums, 23(3), 166-172.
Diaz, J., & Yatham, L. (2015). Neurodevelopmental pathways to bipolar disorder. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 23(2), 101-117.
Lobban, F., & Sareen, J. (2015). Biting mania: A case study. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 71(7), 593-597.
Matsumoto, H., D’Agati, V., & Fisher, D. (2015). Clinical features and treatment of biting mania. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 69(3), 175-181.