In which condition is aerophagia often observed?

Aerophagia, which refers to the excessive swallowing of air, is often associated with anxiety disorders. Individuals experiencing anxiety may engage in rapid, shallow breathing or hyperventilation, which can lead to swallowing more air than usual. This behavior is often a physical manifestation of their heightened anxiety and stress levels. When someone is anxious, they may also habitually chew gum or eat quickly, both of which can exacerbate air swallowing. The presence of aerophagia may serve as a physical symptom highlighting the connection between anxiety and various bodily sensations, further underlining the impact of psychological conditions on physical health.

In contrast, while conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, and cognitive disorders may have their own distinct behavioral or physiological symptoms, they are not typically associated with aerophagia in the same pronounced manner that anxiety disorders are.