title: Non-erotic self-choking in five psychiatric inpatients.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Colón
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Popkin
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Carlson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008032:Limbic System / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D012008:Recurrence; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*