Review: Autoerotic Asphyxiation in the United States

Uva, Jane L.

doi:10.1520/jfs13828j

Cited by 53 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Accidental deaths associated with the practice of autoerotic asphyxia have been welldocumented (17,19,(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38). Characteristic features include: padding between the ligature and neck (19,(37)(38)(39); binding of the hands (39), often with handcuffs (19, 37); the presence of a fail-safe or rescue mechanism (19,32,36,38); an isolated location (32,38), often outdoors (33,36,37); partial to total nudity (36,38,39) or transvestitism (37); shackling or binding of the penis (19, 37); the presence ofpomography (33,37); and the absence of a suicide note or suicidal ideation (19,32,37).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hangings in Alberta, with Special Reference to Outdoor Hangings with Decomposition

Komar¹,

Beattie²,

Dowling³

et al. 1999

Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal

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A records survey at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner In Edmonton, Alberta from 1990 to 1997 reveals outdoor suicidal hangings to be a common occurrence, particularly In rural areas. These Isolated settings may result In delayed discovery and decomposed remains. Three case studies are presented Involving outdoor hangings with extended postmortem Intervals -5 weeks, 16 months and 10 years, respectively. The last case presented many of the diagnostic elements associated with autoerotlc asphyxia and the difficulties of differentiating this accidental manner of death from suicide after 10 years of decay and scene deterioration are discussed. RESUME Une etude des dossiers provenant du bureau du medecln leglste en chef d'Edmonton, Alberta, a revele qU'i1 y avalt eu beaucoup de suicides par pendalson durant la perlode de 1990a1997 et ce partlculierement dans les regions rurales. ces deces dans des endrolts Isoles ont Implique des decouvertes tardlves et des restes humalns decomposes. Trois enquetes de mort par pendalson en pleln air Impliquant des delaIs postmortem conslderables -5 semalnes, 16 mols et 10 ans-sont presentees. La dernlere enquete rapportee dans cet article semblalt demontrer des slgnes d'asphyxle auteerotlque alnsl que des dlfflcultes a dlfferencler une mort accldentelle d'un suicide apres 10 ans de decomposition.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hangings in Alberta, with Special Reference to Outdoor Hangings with Decomposition

Komar¹,

Beattie²,

Dowling³

et al. 1999

Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal

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“…Uva, 28 for example, recommended preventive strategies such as including AEA in national or state electronic injury data systems, including such practices in school sex education programs for students and parents, and discouraging television producers from sensationalizing AEA. She would also teach mothers of newborns how to breastfeed infants properly to avoid partial asphyxiation and the hypothesized suffocation cycle (a technique generally taught to mothers who are breastfeeding).…”

Section: Interventional Optionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Autoerotic Asphyxiation: Secret Pleasure—Lethal Outcome?

Cowell

2009

Pediatrics

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OBJECTIVE: Voluntary asphyxiation among children, preteens, and adolescents by hanging or other means of inducing hypoxia/anoxia to enhance sexual excitement is not uncommon and can lead to unintended death. This study addresses autoerotic asphyxiation (AEA) with the intent of increasing pediatricians' knowledge of the syndrome and awareness of its typical onset among young patients. AEA is characteristically a clandestine and elusive practice. Provided with relevant information, pediatricians can identify the syndrome, demonstrate a willingness to discuss concerns about it, ameliorate distress, and possibly prevent a tragedy. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken of published cases both fatal and nonfatal and included personal communications, referenced citations, clinical experience, and theoretical formulations as to causation. Characteristic AEA manifestations, prevalence, age range, methods of inducing hypoxia/anoxia, and gender weighting are presented. All sources were used as a basis for additional considerations of etiology and possibilities for intervention. RESULTS: AEA can be conceptualized as a personalized, ritualized, and symbolic biopsychosocial drama. It seems to be a reenactment of intense emotional feeling-states involving an identification and sadomasochistic relationship with a female figure. Inept AEA practitioners can miscalculate the peril of the situation that they have contrived and for numerous reasons lose their gamble with death. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatricians should be alert to the earliest manifestations of AEA. Awareness of choking games among the young and, of those, a subset who eventually progress to potentially fatal AEA is strongly encouraged among all primary care professionals who may be able to interrupt the behavior.

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“…[7]. Statistics regarding this phenomenon are not clearly known, however, autoerotic asphyxia most often involves white males between 9 and 80 years of age [4][5][6][7][8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%