Hypoxyphilia Disorders

Hypoxyphilia - Symptom, Cause and Treatment

Hypoxyphilia is the desire to achieve an altered state of consiousness as an enhancement to the experience of orgasm. In this disorder, the individual may use a drug such as nitrous oxide to produce hypoxia, or a "high" due to a lack of oxygen to the brain. Autoerotic asphyxiation is also associated with hypoxic states, but it is classified as a form of sexual masochism.

Hypoxyphilia or near-asphyxiation caused by reducing oxygen level in the brain; it results in the accidental death of one or two per million people per year (Morrison, 1995). To achieve near-asphyxiation, masochists might place a noose around their necks, put airtight bags over their heads or use amyl nitrates ("poppers").

The DSM-IV (TR) criterion for diagnosing the condition in living practitioners are the same as those for sexual masochism: The behaviour that results from intense and recurring fantasies or sexual urges over at least six months must be causing significant clinical stress and/or impairment (social, occupational, other).

There are no overt or easily identifiable signs of either pre-disposition to this behavior or the existence of the paraphilia. Practitioners may be involved in otherwise healthy relationships, sexual and otherwise, and be committed partners and spouses.

Estimates of prevalence are based more on mortality rates from hypoxyphilia/AEA than on living cases and are almost certainly under-representative of the practice.

Treatment of Hypoxyphilia

Some of the treatment options are as follows:

• the combination of cognitive behavior therapy and medication would be recommended.
• With such a strong association between hypoxyphilia and mood disorder, an SSRI antidepressant will have a dual benefit of helping to relieve depression and reducing sexual impulsivity.

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Site last updated: March 4, 2008

Hypoxyphilia Paraphilias Sexual Disorders Guide