Breath-Holding Spells in Somatoform Disorder

Abstract

Breath-holding spells (BHS) are commonly seen in childhood. However, there are no case reports of BHS occurring in adolescents or young adults. We report two young adult cases and discuss the pathogensis, both physically and psychologically. BHS occurred for 1–2 minutes after hyperventilation accompanied by cyanosis in both cases. Oxygen saturation was markedly decreased. Each patient had shown distress and a regressed state psychologically. These cyanotic BHS occurred after hyperventilation, and we considered that a complex interplay of hyperventilation followed by expiratory apnea increased intrathoracic pressure and respiratory spasm. Breath-holding spells can occur beyond childhood.