Citation

Colón EA, Popkin MK, Carlson BE. J. Clin. Psychiatry 1989; 50(12): 465-468.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Physicians Postgraduate Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2600065

Abstract

Recurrent self-choking without suicidal intent has received limited attention in the literature; most reports have focused on the sexual nature of the behavior. The authors describe five psychiatric inpatients who engaged in repeated non-erotic self-choking. Similarities in clinical features of the cases include a history of substance abuse (including abuse of volatile substances), aggressive behaviors, a chronic history of psychotic symptoms leading to repeated long-term hospitalizations, and a sense of relief or pleasure, but no overt sexual stimulation, caused by self-choking. The possible role of limbic system dysfunction in this behavior is considered.

Language: en