Am J Psychiatry 1978; 135:476-479
Copyright © 1978 by American Psychiatric Association
Phantom bite syndrome
JJ Marbach
Despite repeated treatment failures, some individuals seek bite correction
from a succession of dentists. Their pathological narcissism focuses on
their bite, in a manner reminiscent of phantom limb phenomena. The
dentist's diagnosis and treatment are manipulated until the patient claims
them a failure and consults another dentist. The author suggests that this
behavior represents a defense against paranoia and severe personality
disorders.
