AUTOEROTIC ASPHYXIA - A CASE-REPORT

Autoerotic asphyxia is the induction of a state of oxygen deficiency t o enhance sexual excitement and orgasm. It has been practiced for cent uries, and there are many reports of fatalities. The authors report a case of a hiving participant that shows a number of characteristics di fferent from those of fatalities. The case study also raises doubt abo ut the conventional view that participants have no wish to die. We fee l that further case studies of living participants will lead to a grea ter understanding of the practice and will facilitate treatment.