Hypoxyphilia is a paraphilia in which the sexual interest of the individual typically centers on a dangerous and sometimes fatal form of sexual masochism in which sexual gratification is sought by deprivation of oxygen to the brain. It is also known as asphyxiophilia, scarfing, kotzwarraism or breath control play. Paraphilias are a group of persistent sexual behavior patterns in which unusual objects, rituals or situations are required for sexual satisfaction in the absence of which orgasm is impossible.

In hypoxyphilia, oxygen deprivation isthe most common form of sexual preference. Oxygen deprivation is sought by using a noose, plastic bag, ligature or chemical substance such as amyl nitrite. Most individuals affected by this disorder have the persistent and recurring desire to achieve an altered state of consciousness in order to experience orgasm. An individual with hypoxyphilia is known as a gasper.

Risks Involved:

Engaging in this disorder may result in the death of the individual often caused by loss of control over strangulation. According to one study, one or two in a million accidental deaths may occur per year due to this disorder.

Treatment:

One of the most prominent problems in the treatment of this disorder is that individuals affected by it do not seek professional treatment for the condition, but rather receive it only when they have been caught in the act or on request of their sexual partner. Thus, their motivations for change may often stem from a desire to do it for someone else rather than from a genuine desire to change.

Treatments that combine cognitive and behavioral elements have been moderately successful in effecting changes in deviant arousal and behavior patterns of fetishists. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that these treatments can result in significantly reduced rates of recidivism than seen in untreated individuals.

Another key component of treatment involves techniques commonly known as aversion therapy— aversive conditioning to deviant sexual fantasies. Other important forms of treatment comprise of cognitive behavioral programs that include social skills training and restructuring cognitive distortions that may be helping to maintain the deviant sexual arousal and behavior patterns.