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Autoerotic asphyxiation: secret pleasure--lethal outcome?
1Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, and Graduate Medical Education, Marshall University, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, West Virginia 25701, USA. cowell@marshall.edu
Pediatrics
|October 14, 2009
Summary
Autoerotic asphyxiation (AEA), a dangerous practice among young individuals, can lead to accidental death. Pediatricians must recognize its signs and discuss concerns to prevent tragedies related to this behavior.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Psychology
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Autoerotic asphyxiation (AEA) involves voluntary hypoxia/anoxia for sexual excitement, often leading to accidental death in children and adolescents.
- AEA is a clandestine practice, making early identification by healthcare professionals challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To increase pediatricians' knowledge of AEA and its typical onset in young patients.
- To raise awareness of AEA as a potentially fatal syndrome among preteens and adolescents.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of published fatal and nonfatal AEA cases.
- Inclusion of personal communications, citations, clinical experience, and theoretical formulations on causation.
- Analysis of AEA manifestations, prevalence, age range, methods, and gender distribution.
Main Results:
- AEA is viewed as a symbolic, ritualized biopsychosocial drama, often reenacting intense emotional states.
- The practice can involve identification with a female figure and sadomasochistic dynamics.
- Inexperienced individuals engaging in AEA risk miscalculating the danger, leading to fatal outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians should be vigilant for early signs of AEA in young patients.
- Awareness of "choking games" and their potential progression to fatal AEA is crucial for primary care professionals.
- Early intervention by healthcare providers may help interrupt this dangerous behavior.
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