Intentional Hyperventilation as a Self-Stimulating Addiction

Mr. A's hyperventilation represents the potentially maladaptive ways in which patients obtain gratification. The danger associated with the behavior is seemingly less than that of the drug use it replaced. This trade-off underscores the complexity of the clinician's risk-benefit analysis in determining whether a behavior requires treatment.

Although the patient appeared to have suffered no physiological damage as a result of hyperventilating, his mental status changes and the potential for other changes warranted close observation of this behavior. Electroencephalogram, electrocardiogram, and electrolyte changes, hypoxemia, apnea, and injury from loss of consciousness and falling are all possible sequelae (3,4,6). In addition, like other self-stimulating behaviors performed excessively, voluntary hyperventilation can foster social isolation and alienation, particularly if performed to the exclusion of ordinary daily routines.