Death from auto-erotic asphyxiation in a long-term psychiatric setting.

Death from auto-erotic asphyxiation is a startling phenomenon that is on the rise both in the general population and within psychiatric facilities. While these auto-erotic behaviors may lead to death, it is seldom the client's intention to do harm; rather, the intent is to heighten masturbatory sensations. After describing this phenomenon, the authors discuss implications for nursing care.