Psychiatric Evaluation of a “Monk” Requesting Castration: a Patient’s Fable, With Morals

This article presents the case of “Brother David”, a monk who was referred for psychiatric evaluation after requesting castration in order to enhance his spiritual purity. Although there was a previous suicide attempt, current suicidal ideation was denied. His request for castration was turned down. It later came to be known that the patient belonged to the Heaven’s Gate cult, many of whom committed suicide in March 1997. Issues related to cultism & doctor-patient relationships are discussed.