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Moreira-Almeida A, Costa MDA, Gattaz WF. Spiritist anomalous experience is not associated with psychosis. Schizophr Res 2024; 267:356-358. [PMID: 38615564 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Moreira-Almeida
- Research Center in Spirituality and Health (NUPES), School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora 36038-330, Brazil
| | - Marianna de Abreu Costa
- Research Center in Spirituality and Health (NUPES), School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora 36038-330, Brazil.
| | - Wagner Farid Gattaz
- Laboratório de Neurociências (LIM-27), Departamento e Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Silva J, Mendes CG, Wainstock BC, Gomide M, Moreira-Almeida A. Evaluation of the Occurrence of Anomalous Information Reception in Messages in an Allegedly Mediumistic Process. Explore (NY) 2023; 19:785-791. [PMID: 37286468 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The study of mediumship and the phenomenon of Anomalous Information Reception (AIR) has the potential to produce new evidence about the mind and its relationship with the brain. This study investigated the occurrence of AIR in an allegedly mediumistic procedure. To control leakage of information, the medium was filmed and remained under supervision throughout all procedures. The hit rate of the items of information generated was analyzed as well as signs of fraud (such as cold reading, deduction and the use of generalization) and the information disclosed to the medium. The medium produced 57 items of information, of which six were not recognized, four had been disclosed, six could have been deduced, 11 may be regarded as generic and 30 were correct, were not disclosed or were very unlikely to have been deduced, obtained by cold reading or considered generic. The result is highly indicative of the occurrence of AIR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Silva
- NUPES - Center for Research in Spirituality and Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). Av. Eugênio do Nascimento, s/n, CEP 36038-330, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.
| | - Christiane G Mendes
- IESC - Institute of Public Health Studies, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Praça Jorge Machado Moreira, s/n, Cidade Universitária, CEP 21941-592, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Betty C Wainstock
- NUPES - Center for Research in Spirituality and Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). Av. Eugênio do Nascimento, s/n, CEP 36038-330, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcia Gomide
- NUPES - Center for Research in Spirituality and Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). Av. Eugênio do Nascimento, s/n, CEP 36038-330, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil; IESC - Institute of Public Health Studies, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Praça Jorge Machado Moreira, s/n, Cidade Universitária, CEP 21941-592, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alexander Moreira-Almeida
- NUPES - Center for Research in Spirituality and Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). Av. Eugênio do Nascimento, s/n, CEP 36038-330, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
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Wahbeh H, Fry N, Speirn P. The Noetic Signature Inventory: Development, Exploration, and Initial Validation. Front Psychol 2022; 13:838582. [PMID: 35783759 PMCID: PMC9240696 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.838582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Noetic comes from the Greek word noēsis, meaning inner wisdom or direct knowing. Noetic experiences often transcend the perception of our five senses and are ubiquitous worldwide, although no instrument exists to evaluate noetic characteristics both within and between individuals. We developed the Noetic Signature Inventory (NSI) through an iterative qualitative and statistical process as a tool to subjectively assess noetic characteristics. Study 1 developed and evaluated a 175-item NSI using 521 self-selected research participants, resulting in a 46-item NSI with an 11-factor model solution. Study 2 examined the 11-factor solution, construct validity, and test-retest reliability, resulting in a 44-item NSI with a 12-factor model solution. Study 3 confirmed the final 44-item NSI in a diverse population. The 12-factors were: (1) Inner Knowing, (2) Embodied Sensations, (3) Visualizing to Access or Affect, (4) Inner Knowing Through Touch, (5) Healing, (6) Knowing the Future, (7) Physical Sensations from Other People, (8) Knowing Yourself, (9) Knowing Other's Minds, (10) Apparent Communication with Non-physical Beings, (11) Knowing Through Dreams, and (12) Inner Voice. The NSI demonstrated internal consistency, convergent and divergent content validity, and test-retest reliability. The NSI can be used for the future studies to evaluate intra- and inter-individual variation of noetic experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helané Wahbeh
- Department of Research, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, CA, United States
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Spindola-Rodrigues KC, Reis RDC, de Carvalho CM, de Siqueira SDNLL, da Rocha Neto AV, Almeida KJ. Cognitive Health and Differential Cortical Functioning in Dissociative Trance: An Explorative Study About Mediumship. Front Psychol 2022; 13:874720. [PMID: 35478758 PMCID: PMC9035590 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.874720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To evaluate the cognitive functioning of subjects practicing trance mediumship in Brazil. Method The study was based on the measurement of cognitive functions of 19 spirits mediums through neuropsychological tests such as the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), the Verbal Fluency Test (FAS), the digit span test, the cube test, the five digit test (FDT) and an evaluation of mental health through scales such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ), and the Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ). The sample included the participation of spirit mediums divided into two groups. The more experienced group (MEG) with 11 subjects had more than 10 years of mediumistic practice, while the other less experienced group (LEG) with 8 subjects had 1–5 years of experience. The inclusion criteria were psychophonic mediums (who have the ability to communication when deceased beings communicate directly via speaking) with regular trance practices for at least one year. The data collected were analyzed using the SPSS statistical package. Results Regarding performance on the BCSB and digit span test, all subjects reached scores at the median or higher in comparison to standardized scores of Brazilians. Scores of 90% on the cube test and 42% on the FAS were reached in comparison to median or higher values, versus the median of standardized scores among Brazilians. On the FDT, we found statistical significance (p = 0.038) in the choice stage, with higher performance of subjects whose initial age of trance recognition occurred before 21 years old. On the BDI scale, no participant met the criteria for major depression. The SRQ showed an incidence of common mental disorders in 21% of the sample, which was more prevalent in the LEG (p = 0.008). Conclusion The cognitive functioning of subjects who practice trance mediumship in Brazil is associated with cognitive health. Executive dysfunction may be a tendency in LEG. However, an incidence of common mental disorders in the LEG was observed. Executive processing was higher in the subgroup with early practices of recognizing the phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Kelson James Almeida
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Post-graduation Program, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
- Department of Neurology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Kelson james Almeida,
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Channeling: A Non-pathological Possession and Dissociative Identity Experience or Something Else? Cult Med Psychiatry 2022; 46:161-169. [PMID: 34212272 PMCID: PMC9034997 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-021-09730-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Channeling experiences are often compared with Dissociative Trance/Possession Disorders and Dissociative Identity Disorders and more recent diagnostic criteria presented in the DSM 5 and ICD-11. From this comparison, it emerges quite clearly that, for most cases, channeling can either be considered an exceptional non-ordinary mental experience or a non-pathological Dissociative Trance/Possession experience. If this characterization is valid, the next step is to understand the origin of channeling experiences. Are they an expression of channeler's unconscious or voluntary mental mechanisms, or real connections with "other discarnate entities"? Given their peculiar characteristics, channeling experiences offer a unique opportunity for a scientific investigation and in particular, the origin of the information received by the channelers.
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Thomas D. A participatory research study to explore the healing potential of children's anomalous experiences. Explore (NY) 2021; 18:551-558. [PMID: 34526234 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children and young people commonly have 'positive' and 'negative' anomalous experiences that are silenced, ignored or medicalised by 'adults-in-authority'. Whether 'positive' or 'negative', anomalous experiences can catalyse self-healing for children and young people. Through children achieving greater self-awareness and a sense of intra-connectedness between self, others and the world. OBJECTIVES The study's aim was to explore the nature of self and experience with children and young people. This article focuses on one of the studies objectives: to explore with children and young people any anomalous experiences; and identify any self-reporting of healing and/or positive transformation. METHODS A participatory, qualitative approach was used to research with children and young people. Using IPA (Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis), and Critical Discourse Analysis, 20 narrative accounts and 10 visual narrative representations, from 16 children and young people who experience anomalous phenomena, were analysed and 'co-interpreted' with participants. PARTICIPANTS In total, 16 children and young people (aged 4-21 years) participated in the study. Four participants had pre-existing medical conditions (Epilepsy, Narcolepsy, Caterplexy & Autism), while twelve participants had no pre-existing medical conditions. RESULTS All self-reported anomalous experiences, were viewed by children and young people as carrying healing and transformational potentials - regardless of whether their experiences were 'positive' or 'negative' Healing and transformation were reported by children and young people, that included - self-withdrawal from medications; changes in attitudes and behaviours; feeling more connected to self, others and the world; enjoying life and 'knowing' self How children and young people's anomalous experiences are responded to by 'adults-in-authority' has consequences for children and young people's wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS Children and young people should be included in studies that consider anomalous experiences, using research methodologies such as participatory approaches, to widen our understanding of these types of experiences. While the results show how anomalous experiences can carry healing and transformational potentials for children and young people, adults-in authority can catalyse suffering in how they understand and respond to these experiences. More research is needed and is continuing in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Thomas
- University of Central Lancashire, Floor 1, Eden House, Fylde Road, Blackburn, Lancashire PR1 2HE, United Kingdom.
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Corpus callosum size, hypnotic susceptibility and empathy in women with alleged mediumship: a controlled study. Explore (NY) 2021; 18:217-225. [PMID: 33478904 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM Evidence indicates that highly hypnotizable subjects may have larger area of the rostrum of the corpus callosum (CC). Mediumship can be defined as the alleged ability to communicate regularly with deceased personalities, and self-hypnosis is postulated as an underlying mechanism for this ability. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the CC area, hypnotic susceptibility, self-reported dissociation, and empathy in alleged mediums in comparison with healthy, non-medium controls. METHODS The study sample consisted of 16 Spiritist mediums (medium group (MG)) and 16 non-medium controls. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed to measure the CC areas (total and subdivisions). The Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility was used to assess hypnotizability, and self-reported measures were used to investigate anomalous experiences, mental health using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-SRQ, dissociative experiences using the Dissociative Experiences Scale, and empathy using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. RESULTS No between-group differences were found in the total or subdivided CC areas or in hypnotizability, with both groups showing intermediate levels. The rostrum of the CC area and hypnotizability were not correlated. The MG presented with significantly more anomalous experiences, but the two groups had similar scores for dissociation, empathy, and mental health. CONCLUSION The normal CC areas found in the MG are in contrast with the abnormal results typically observed in subjects with psychotic and dissociative disorders. Although hypnotizability was not different between groups, further studies are needed to replicate these findings in other samples.
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de Oliveira Maraldi E, Costa A, Cunha A, Flores D, Hamazaki E, de Queiroz GP, Martinez M, Siqueira S, Reichow J. Cultural Presentations of Dissociation: The Case of Possession Trance Experiences. J Trauma Dissociation 2021; 22:11-16. [PMID: 32941117 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2020.1821145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Everton de Oliveira Maraldi
- Research Group on Religious Experience and Altered States of Consciousness, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo , São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - Adriano Costa
- Research Group on Religious Experience and Altered States of Consciousness, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo , São Paulo/SP, Brazil.,Department of Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Alexandre Cunha
- Research Group on Religious Experience and Altered States of Consciousness, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo , São Paulo/SP, Brazil.,Department of Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Douglas Flores
- Research Group on Religious Experience and Altered States of Consciousness, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo , São Paulo/SP, Brazil.,Department of Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Edson Hamazaki
- Research Group on Religious Experience and Altered States of Consciousness, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo , São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - Gregório Pereira de Queiroz
- Research Group on Religious Experience and Altered States of Consciousness, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo , São Paulo/SP, Brazil.,Department of Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Mateus Martinez
- Research Group on Religious Experience and Altered States of Consciousness, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo , São Paulo/SP, Brazil.,Department of Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Silvana Siqueira
- Research Group on Religious Experience and Altered States of Consciousness, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo , São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - Jeverson Reichow
- Research Group on Religious Experience and Altered States of Consciousness, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo , São Paulo/SP, Brazil.,Department of Psychology, UNESC - Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense , Criciúma, Brazil
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Stauffer CS, Anderson BT, Ortigo KM, Woolley J. Psilocybin-Assisted Group Therapy and Attachment: Observed Reduction in Attachment Anxiety and Influences of Attachment Insecurity on the Psilocybin Experience. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 4:526-532. [PMID: 33860182 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Attachment insecurity is determined early in life, is a risk factor for psychopathology, and can be measured on two separate continuous dimensions: attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Therapeutic changes toward more secure attachment correlate with reduction in psychiatric symptoms. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy has demonstrated promise in the treatment of psychopathology, such as treatment-resistant depression and substance use disorders. We hypothesized that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy would reduce attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance, thus increasing attachment security. We also hypothesized that baseline measures of attachment insecurity, which can reflect a diminished capacity for trust and exploration, would inform the quality of the psilocybin session. Participants were male long-term AIDS survivors with moderate-severe demoralization (n = 18). Using the Experiences in Close Relationships scale, we measured attachment insecurity at baseline as well as immediately, and 3 months, after completion of a brief group therapy course, which included a single midtreatment open-label psilocybin session conducted individually. Clinically important aspects of the psilocybin session were assessed using the revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire and the Challenging Experience Questionnaire the day following psilocybin administration. Self-reported ratings of attachment anxiety decreased significantly from baseline to 3-months post-intervention, t(16) = -2.2; p = 0.045; d rm = 0.45; 95% CI 0.01, 0.87. Attachment avoidance did not change significantly. Baseline attachment anxiety was strongly correlated with psilocybin-occasioned mystical-type experiences, r(15) = 0.53, p = 0.029, and baseline attachment avoidance was strongly correlated with psilocybin-related challenging experiences, r(16) = 0.62, p = 0.006. These findings have important implications for the general treatment of psychopathology as well as optimizing psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a broadly applicable treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Stauffer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States.,San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center Mental Health, San Francisco, California 94121, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and VA Portland Health Care System, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Brian T Anderson
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center Mental Health, San Francisco, California 94121, United States.,Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California 94110, United States
| | - Kile M Ortigo
- Center for Existential Exploration, Palo Alto, California 94306, United States
| | - Joshua Woolley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States.,San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center Mental Health, San Francisco, California 94121, United States
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Saillot I. Achille en Afrique. Pertinence de Janet pour les cas actuels de possession dissociative. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Bastos MAV, Bastos PRHDO, e Paez LEF, de Souza EO, Bogo D, Perdomo RT, Portella RB, Ozaki JGO, Iandoli D, Lucchetti G. "Seat of the soul"? The structure and function of the pineal gland in women with alleged spirit possession-Results of two experimental studies. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01693. [PMID: 32506697 PMCID: PMC7375051 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cultural traditions attribute to pineal gland an important role for spiritual experiences. Mediumship and spirit possession are cultural phenomena found worldwide which have been described as having dissociative and psychotic-like characteristics, but with nonpathological aspects. A sympathetic activation pattern in response to spirit possession has been reported in some studies, but empirical data on pineal gland is scarce in this context. METHODS We aimed to investigate pineal gland and pituitary volumes, as well as urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels in 16 alleged mediums (Medium Group-MG) compared with 16 healthy nonmedium controls (Control Group) (Experiment 1). Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and stress reactivity in GM (n = 10) under different physiological conditions (Experiment 2). RESULTS In Experiment 1, MG presented higher scores of anomalous experiences, but there were no between-group differences regarding mental health or subjective sleep quality. Similar pineal gland and pituitary volumes were observed between groups. There were no between-group differences in urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin collected under equivalent baseline conditions. In Experiment 2, the rise of anxiety and heart rate in response to mediumistic experience was intermediate between a nonstressful control task (reading) and a stressful control task (Trier Social Stress Test-TSST). No significant differences were observed in 6-sulfatoxymelatonin urinary levels between the three conditions. The pattern of stress reactivity during the TSST was normal, but with an attenuated salivary cortisol response. CONCLUSION The normal neuroimaging and stress reactivity findings in MG contrast with the abnormal results usually observed in subjects with psychotic and dissociative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Danielle Bogo
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesFederal University of Mato Grosso do SulCampo GrandeBrazil
| | - Renata Trentin Perdomo
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesFederal University of Mato Grosso do SulCampo GrandeBrazil
| | | | | | - Décio Iandoli
- School of MedicineAnhanguera‐Uniderp UniversityCampo GrandeBrazil
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Al-Adawi S, Al-Kalbani Y, Panchatcharam SM, Al-Zadjali MA, Al-Adawi SS, Essa MM, Qoronfleh MW. Differential executive functioning in the topology of Spirit possession or dissociative disorders: an explorative cultural study. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:379. [PMID: 31791283 PMCID: PMC6889563 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2358-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Oman, anecdotal and impressionistic observation have helped parse and categorize various manifestations of spirit possession into two broad and distinct categories: intermittent dissociative phenomenon and transitory dissociative phenomenon. The primary aim of the present study was to compare the performance of participants on neuropsychological tests among different grades of possession. Other correlates were also sought. METHODS Assessment criteria for the two groups included measures examining executive functioning: controlled oral word association test Verbal Fluency, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (Perseverative error and the number of categories achieved), Trail Making Test and the Tower of London Test (number of correctly solved problems). Sociodemographic variables and the history of trauma were also sought. RESULT Among 84 participants, one third of them presented the intermittent possession type and two thirds, the transitory possession type. Their mean age was 34.17 ± 11.82 and 56% of them were female. Nearly 35% of them endorsed a history of a traumatic experience. Both the multivariate models showed statistical significance (F (5, 78) = 5.57, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.22), F (5, 78) = 11.38, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.39) with an independent predictor of intermittent dissociative phenomenon (β = - 3.408, p < 0.001), (β = 63.88, p < 0.001) for Verbal Fluency and Trail Making Test, respectively. The history of the traumatic event was also statistically significant with the results of the Trail Making Test (β = - 26.01, p < 0.041. Furthermore, the subtype of Pathogenic Possession turned out to be an independent predictor across all models: Wisconsin Card Sorting Test perseverative error, Wisconsin card sorting test categories achieved and the number of problems solved in the Tower of London Test (OR = 3.70, 95% C.I. 2.97-4.61; p < 0.001), (OR = 0.57, 95% C.I.0.39-0.84; p = 0.004) and (OR = 0.80, 95% C.I. 0.65-0.99; p < 0.037) respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that typology of spirit possession found in Oman tends to differ on indices of executive function. Those with 'diagnosis' of intermittent possession showed impairment in many indices of executive functioning. Despite its wide prevalence, spirit possession has not been examined in terms of its neuropsychological functioning. We believe that this study will be instrumental in laying the groundwork for a more robust methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Al-Adawi
- 0000 0001 0726 9430grid.412846.dDepartment of Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Yahya Al-Kalbani
- 0000 0001 0726 9430grid.412846.dDepartment of Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | | | - Matlooba Ayoub Al-Zadjali
- 0000 0004 0571 4213grid.415703.4Ministry of Health, Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | | | - Musthafa M. Essa
- 0000 0001 0726 9430grid.412846.dDepartment of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - M. Walid Qoronfleh
- 0000 0001 0516 2170grid.418818.cResearch & Policy Department, World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 5825, Doha, Qatar
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Vencio S, Caiado-Vencio R, Caixeta L. Differential Diagnosis between Anomalous Experiences and Dissociation Disorder Using the Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule (DDIS). J Trauma Dissociation 2019; 20:165-178. [PMID: 30058948 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2018.1502715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is important to understand the most diverse cultural aspects related to religiosity. Scientifically, it is important to understand religious manifestations and their relation to health, and to differentiate them from psychopathological manifestations. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the mental health of a group of mediums and compare it with that of a control group from the same religious context who do not manifest mediumship, using the Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule (DDIS). METHODS This was a cross-sectional study, evaluating 47 mediums (Group 1) and comparing them with 22 non-medium volunteers from the same religious context (Group 2) using the DDIS questionnaire. All results were matched with historical data from patients with dissociative identity disorder (DID) who answered the DDIS. RESULTS Scores obtained from the DDIS were similar in both groups. The number of positive symptoms was comparable in a wide range of analyzed areas, involving but not being restricted to somatization disorder, major depressive episode, borderline personality disorder, extrasensory/paranormal experiences, physical/sexual abuse and five dissociative disorders. There were considerable differences when we compared these results with historical data from patients with DID. CONCLUSION In agreement with the extant literature, these results showed that mediumship can be considered a non-pathological form of dissociative phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Vencio
- a Post-Graduation Programme , Universidade Federal de Goiás , Goiânia , Goiás , Brazil
| | - Rafael Caiado-Vencio
- b School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica , Goiânia , Goiás , Brazil
| | - Leonardo Caixeta
- c School of Medicine , Universidade Federal de Goiás , Goiânia , Goiás , Brazil
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14
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Exceptional experiences reported by scientists and engineers. Explore (NY) 2018; 14:329-341. [DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Mainieri AG, Peres JFP, Moreira-Almeida A, Mathiak K, Habel U, Kohn N. Neural correlates of psychotic-like experiences during spiritual-trance state. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2017; 266:101-107. [PMID: 28644996 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies indicate high levels of psychotic experiences in the general population. Here, we report a functional imaging study with 8 mentally healthy spiritual mediums and 8 matched controls. The mediums entered a mediumistic-trance state using a standardized manner by closing their eyes and actively seeking to ignore external and internal stimuli to achieve a 'state of emptiness'; in a control condition, they were instructed to re-enact the same mediumistic experience that they had during the mediumistic-trance condition but in a non-trance state (imaginative-trance). Both mediums and controls took part in a resting state session. The results indicate stronger activation in the lateral occipital cortex, posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), temporal pole, middle temporal gyrus and orbitofrontal cortex during the mediumistic-trance state. We also observe increased functional connectivity within auditory and sensorimotor Resting State Networks (RSN) during mediumistic-trance compared to resting and imaginative-trance conditions. Comparing spiritual mediums and controls, no differences in RSN were found. These data show preserved engagement of prefrontal cortex and connectivity of the default-mode network that indicate maintained introspective control over non-pathological psychotic-like experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ghinato Mainieri
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany; JARA - Translational Brain Medicine, Germany; Research Center in Spirituality and Health, Medical School, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Av. Eugênio do Nascimento s/nº, 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, Brazil.
| | - Julio Fernando Prieto Peres
- PROSER, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos 785, 01060-970 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander Moreira-Almeida
- Research Center in Spirituality and Health, Medical School, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Av. Eugênio do Nascimento s/nº, 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Klaus Mathiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ute Habel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nils Kohn
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, RadboudUMC, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Abstract
A major issue in the study of dissociation concerns the cross-cultural validity of definitions and measurements used to identify and classify dissociative disorders. There is also extensive debate on the etiological factors underlying dissociative experiences. Cross-cultural research is essential to elucidate these issues, particularly regarding evidence obtained from countries in which the study of dissociation is still in its infancy. The aim of this article was to discuss Brazilian research on the topic of dissociation, highlighting its contributions for the understanding of dissociative experiences in nonclinical populations and for the validity and relevance of dissociative disorders in the contexts of psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy. We also consider the ways in which dissociative experiences are assimilated by Brazilian culture and religious expressions, and the implications of Brazilian studies for the sociocultural investigation of dissociation. We conclude by addressing the limitations of these studies and potential areas for future research.
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Dissociative disorders in acute psychiatric inpatients in Taiwan. Psychiatry Res 2017; 250:285-290. [PMID: 28189923 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.01.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Dissociative disorders have been documented to be common psychiatric disorders which can be detected reliably with standardized diagnostic instruments in North American and European psychiatric inpatients and outpatients (20.6% and 18.4%, respectively). However, there are concerns about their cross-cultural manifestations as an apparently low prevalence rate has been reported in East Asian inpatients and outpatients (1.7% and 4.9%, respectively). It is unknown whether the clinical profile of dissociative disorders in terms of their core symptomatic clusters, associated comorbid disorders, and environmental risk factors that has emerged in western clinical populations can also be found in non-western clinical populations. A standardized structured interview for DSM-IV dissociative disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a history of interpersonal victimization was administered in a sample of Taiwanese acute psychiatric inpatients. Our results showed that 19.5% of our participants met criteria for a DSM-IV dissociative disorder, mostly dissociative disorder not otherwise specified. More importantly, the western clinical profile of dissociative disorders also characterized our patients, including a poly-symptomatic presentation and a history of interpersonal trauma in both childhood and adulthood. Our results lend support to the conclusion that cross-cultural manifestations of dissociative pathology in East Asia are similar to those in North America and Europe.
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Research on Experiences Related to the Possibility of Consciousness Beyond the Brain: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Scientific Output. J Nerv Ment Dis 2017; 205:37-47. [PMID: 27922909 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to conduct a search of publications investigating experiences commonly associated with the possibility of the existence of a consciousness independent of the brain held on the main scientific databases (Pubmed, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, Science Direct, and Scopus). Of the 9065 articles retrieved, 1954 were included (598 near-death experiences, 223 out-of-body experiences, 56 end-of-life experiences, 224 possession, 244 memories suggestive of past lives, 565 mediumship, 44 others). Over the decades, there was an evident increase in the number of articles on all the areas of the field, with the exception of studies on mediumship that showed a decline during the late 20th century and subsequent rise in the early 21st century. Regarding the types of articles found, with the exception of past-life memories and end-of-life experiences (mostly original studies), publications were predominantly review articles. The articles were published in journals with an impact factor similar to other areas of science.
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Abstract
Since spirit possession in mediumship and shamanism resembles psychotic symptoms, early researchers perceived spirit mediums and shamans as psychiatric patients whose psychopathology was culturally sanctioned. However, other researchers have not only challenged this assumption, but also proposed that spirit possession has transformative benefits. The idiom of spirit possession provides cultural meanings for spirit mediums and shamans to express and transform their personal experiences. The present case study focuses on dang-ki healing, a form of Chinese mediumship practiced in Singapore, in which a deity possesses a human (i.e., dang-ki) to offer aid to supplicants. This study seeks to explore whether involvement in dang-ki healing is transformative; and if so, how the dang-ki's transformation is related to his self and the perceived legitimacy of his mediumship. At a shrine, I interviewed 20 participants, including a male dang-ki, 10 temple assistants, and nine clients. The results obtained were supportive of the therapeutic nature of spirit possession. First, there is a relationship between his self-transformation and the perceived legitimacy of his mediumship. As his clients and community have recognized his spirit possession as genuine, and the healing power of his possessing god, he is able to make use of mediumship as a means for spiritual development. Second, he has developed his spirituality by internalizing his god's positive traits (e.g., compassion). Deities worshipped in dang-ki healing can be conceptualized as ideal selves who represent a wide range of positive traits and moral values of Chinese culture. Thus, the possession of a deity is the embodiment of an ideal self. Finally, the dang-ki's transformation may run parallel to his god's transformation. In Chinese religions, gods have to constantly develop their spirituality even though they are already gods. An understanding of the god's spiritual development further sheds light on the dang-ki's self-transformation.
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Delmonte R, Lucchetti G, Moreira-Almeida A, Farias M. Can the DSM-5 differentiate between nonpathological possession and dissociative identity disorder? A case study from an Afro-Brazilian religion. J Trauma Dissociation 2016; 17:322-37. [PMID: 26461039 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2015.1103351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this article is to examine whether the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), are able to differentiate between nonpathological religious possession and dissociative identity disorder (DID). We use the case study of an individual who leads an Afro-Brazilian religious group (Umbanda), focusing on her personal development and possession experiences from early childhood to the present, spanning a period of more than 40 years, and examine these data following DSM-5 criteria for DID (300.14). Her experiences of possession can be broken into 2 distinct stages. In the 1st stage (childhood and early adulthood), she displayed intrusive thoughts and a lack of control over possession states, which were associated with a heightened state of anxiety, loneliness, amnesia, and family conflict (meeting all 5 criteria for DID). In the 2nd stage (late 20s up to the present), she regularly experienced possession states but felt in control of their onset and found them religiously meaningful. In this 2nd stage, she only fulfilled 3 criteria for DID. We question the accuracy of diagnosing this individual with DID in her earlier life and suggest that the DSM-5 criteria fail to address the ambiguity of affect surrounding possession experiences (positive at the individual level, negative at the interpersonal level) and lack a clearer acknowledgment of the prevalence of possession and other unusual experiences in general populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romara Delmonte
- a Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour & Achievement , Coventry University , Coventry , England.,b NUPES-Research Center in Spirituality and Health, School of Medicine , Federal University of Juiz de Fora , Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- b NUPES-Research Center in Spirituality and Health, School of Medicine , Federal University of Juiz de Fora , Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alexander Moreira-Almeida
- b NUPES-Research Center in Spirituality and Health, School of Medicine , Federal University of Juiz de Fora , Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Miguel Farias
- a Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour & Achievement , Coventry University , Coventry , England
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Schaffler Y, Cardeña E, Reijman S, Haluza D. Traumatic Experience and Somatoform Dissociation Among Spirit Possession Practitioners in the Dominican Republic. Cult Med Psychiatry 2016; 40:74-99. [PMID: 26427849 PMCID: PMC4735242 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-015-9472-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies in African contexts have revealed a strong association between spirit possession and severe trauma, with inclusion into a possession cult serving at times a therapeutic function. Research on spirit possession in the Dominican Republic has so far not included quantitative studies of trauma and dissociation. This study evaluated demographic variables, somatoform dissociative symptoms, and potentially traumatizing events in the Dominican Republic with a group of Vodou practitioners that either do or do not experience spirit possession. Inter-group comparisons revealed that in contrast to non-possessed participants (n = 38), those experiencing spirit possession (n = 47) reported greater somatoform dissociation, more problems with sleep, and previous exposure to mortal danger such as assaults, accidents, or diseases. The two groups did not differ significantly in other types of trauma. The best predictor variable for group classification was somatoform dissociation, although those items could also reflect the experience of followers during a possession episode. A factor analysis across variables resulted in three factors: having to take responsibility early on in life and taking on a professional spiritual role; traumatic events and pain; and distress/dissociation. In comparison with the non-possessed individuals, the possessed ones did not seem to overall have a remarkably more severe story of trauma and seemed to derive economic gains from possession practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Schaffler
- Department of General Practice, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Etzel Cardeña
- CERCAP, Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Sophie Reijman
- CERCAP, Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Daniela Haluza
- Institute of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Abstract
This study investigated whether people who report recurrent extrasensory perception (ESP) experiences (telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition) have suffered more traumatic experiences and traumatic intrusions. Thirty-one nonclinical participants reporting recurrent ESP experiences were compared with a nonclinical sample of 31 individuals who did not report recurrent ESP phenomena. Past traumatic experiences were assessed via a self-report measure of trauma history (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire); traumatic intrusions were assessed via a performance-based personality measure (Rorschach Traumatic Content Index). Participants also completed the Anomalous Experience Inventory, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2, the Dissociative Experience Scale, and the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale. The ESP group reported higher levels of emotional abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, and traumatic intrusions. The association between ESP experiences and trauma was partly mediated by the effects of dissociation and emotional distress. Implications for health professionals are discussed. Results also showed the reliability of the twofold method of assessment of trauma.
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23
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Spiritual Treatment for Depression in Brazil: An Experience From Spiritism. Explore (NY) 2015; 11:377-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Stolovy T, Lev-Wiesel R, Witztum E. Dissociation: adjustment or distress? Dissociative phenomena, absorption and quality of life among Israeli women who practice channeling compared to women with similar traumatic history. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2015; 54:1040-1051. [PMID: 24861106 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-014-9885-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the relationship between traumatic history, dissociative phenomena, absorption and quality of life among a population of channelers, in comparison with a population of non-channelers with similar traumatic history. The study sample included 150 women. The measures included Traumatic Experiences Scale, Dissociative Experience Scale, Absorption Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory and Quality of Life (QOL) Assessment. Channelers presented significantly higher levels of dissociation, absorption and psychological health compared to the other group. Dissociation and absorption were trauma-related only among the comparison group. Hence, dissociation has different qualities among different people, and spiritual practice contributes to QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tali Stolovy
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Israel,
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25
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Stolovy T, Lev-Wiesel R, Eisikovits Z. Dissociation and the experience of channeling: narratives of Israeli women who practice channeling. Int J Clin Exp Hypn 2015; 63:346-64. [PMID: 25978086 DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2015.1031555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
"Channeling" is a phenomenon in which people describe themselves as receiving messages from another personality or dimension of reality. Channeling is often regarded as dissociation, which is a disruption in the usually integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception. This study explored the interface between channeling and dissociation through a phenomenological analysis. Qualitative data were obtained through interviews with 20 Israeli women who practice channeling. The analysis revealed 3 themes: dissociation, absorption, and control. The channelers' descriptions correspond with what is coined as "dissociative states" and enable an emic view of the etic definition of dissociation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tali Stolovy
- a Lev Hasharon Mental Health Center, Netanya, affiliated to Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University Israel
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26
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Sar V, Alioğlu F, Akyüz G. Experiences of possession and paranormal phenomena among women in the general population: are they related to traumatic stress and dissociation? J Trauma Dissociation 2014; 15:303-18. [PMID: 24228817 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2013.849321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This study sought to determine the prevalence of experiences of possession and paranormal phenomena (PNP) in the general population and their possible relations to each other and to traumatic stress and dissociation. The study was conducted on a representative female sample recruited from a town in central eastern Turkey. The Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule, the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder sections of the Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-IV Axis-I and Personality Disorders, and the Childhood Abuse and Neglect Questionnaire were administered to 628 women. Of these, 127 (20.2%) women reported at least 1 type of PNP and 13 (2.1%) women reported possession. Women with a dissociative disorder reported all types of possession and PNP (except telepathy) more frequently than those without. Whereas women with a trauma history in childhood and adulthood or PTSD reported possession more frequently than those without, PNP were associated with childhood trauma only. Factor analysis yielded 4 dimensions: possession by and/or contact with nonhuman entities, extrasensory communications, possession by a human entity, and precognition. These factors correlated with number of secondary features of dissociative identity disorder and Schneiderian symptoms. Latent class analysis identified 3 groups. The most traumatized group, with predominantly dissociative and trauma-related disorders, had the highest scores on all factors. Notwithstanding their presence in healthy individuals, possession and PNP were associated with trauma and dissociation in a subgroup of affected participants. Both types of experience seem to be normal human capacities of experiencing that may be involved in response to traumatic stress. Given the small numbers, this study should be considered preliminary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedat Sar
- a Clinical Psychotherapy Unit & Dissociative Disorders Program and Department of Psychiatry , Istanbul University , Istanbul , Turkey
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27
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Le Maléfan P, Evrard R, Alvarado CS. Spiritist delusions and spiritism in the nosography of French psychiatry (1850-1950). HISTORY OF PSYCHIATRY 2013; 24:477-491. [PMID: 24573756 DOI: 10.1177/0957154x13503094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
At the turn of the twentieth century there was a wave of delusions which had a direct link to spiritism in their form and content. These so-called spiritist or mediumistic delusions were the object of detailed study, and clinicians assigned them a place in nosography, especially in France. This work of classification was carried out as a function of the convictions and paradoxes that these delusions aroused; it also made it possible to question the relationship between pathology and belief. It is therefore important to emphasize certain ideological views of psychiatry on para-normality. We observed both a reductionist discourse concerning these domains, and at the same time their utilization in the construction of psychiatric knowledge.
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McCarthy-Jones S, Waegeli A, Watkins J. Spirituality and hearing voices: considering the relation. PSYCHOSIS-PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIAL AND INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES 2013; 5:247-258. [PMID: 24273597 PMCID: PMC3827668 DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2013.831945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
For millennia, some people have heard voices that others cannot hear. These have been variously understood as medical, psychological and spiritual phenomena. In this article we consider the specific role of spirituality in voice-hearing in two ways. First, we examine how spirituality may help or hinder people who hear voices. Benefits are suggested to include offering an alternative meaning to the experience which can give more control and comfort, enabling the development of specific coping strategies, increasing social support, and encouraging forgiveness. Potential drawbacks are noted to include increased distress and reduced control resulting from placing frightening or coercive constructions on voices, social isolation, the development of dysfunctional beliefs, and missed/delayed opportunities for successful mental health interventions. After examining problems surrounding classifying voices as either spiritual or psychotic, we move beyond an essentialist position to examine how such a classification is likely to be fluid, and how a given voice may move between these designations. We also highlight tensions between modernist and postmodernist approaches to voice-hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon McCarthy-Jones
- Macquarie Centre for Cognitive Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia ; Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
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Peres JF, Moreira-Almeida A, Caixeta L, Leao F, Newberg A. Neuroimaging during trance state: a contribution to the study of dissociation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49360. [PMID: 23166648 PMCID: PMC3500298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite increasing interest in pathological and non-pathological dissociation, few researchers have focused on the spiritual experiences involving dissociative states such as mediumship, in which an individual (the medium) claims to be in communication with, or under the control of, the mind of a deceased person. Our preliminary study investigated psychography – in which allegedly “the spirit writes through the medium's hand” – for potential associations with specific alterations in cerebral activity. We examined ten healthy psychographers – five less expert mediums and five with substantial experience, ranging from 15 to 47 years of automatic writing and 2 to 18 psychographies per month – using single photon emission computed tomography to scan activity as subjects were writing, in both dissociative trance and non-trance states. The complexity of the original written content they produced was analyzed for each individual and for the sample as a whole. The experienced psychographers showed lower levels of activity in the left culmen, left hippocampus, left inferior occipital gyrus, left anterior cingulate, right superior temporal gyrus and right precentral gyrus during psychography compared to their normal (non-trance) writing. The average complexity scores for psychographed content were higher than those for control writing, for both the whole sample and for experienced mediums. The fact that subjects produced complex content in a trance dissociative state suggests they were not merely relaxed, and relaxation seems an unlikely explanation for the underactivation of brain areas specifically related to the cognitive processing being carried out. This finding deserves further investigation both in terms of replication and explanatory hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Fernando Peres
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Moreira-Almeida A, Cardeña E. Differential diagnosis between non-pathological psychotic and spiritual experiences and mental disorders: a contribution from Latin American studies to the ICD-11. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2012; 33 Suppl 1:S21-36. [PMID: 21845333 DOI: 10.1590/s1516-44462011000500004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review research articles in psychiatry and psychology involving Latin American populations and/or produced by Latin American scholars to investigate the differential diagnosis between spiritual/anomalous experiences and mental disorders in order to contribute to the validity of the International Classification of Diseases towards its 11th edition in this area. METHOD We searched electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and SciELO) using relevant keywords (possession, trance, religious experience, spiritual experience, latin, Brazil) for articles with original psychiatric and psychological data on spiritual experiences. We also analyzed the references of the articles found and contacted authors for additional references and data. RESULTS There is strong evidence that psychotic and anomalous experiences are frequent in the general population and that most of them are not related to psychotic disorders. Often, spiritual experiences involve non-pathological dissociative and psychotic experiences. Although spiritual experiences are not usually related to mental disorders, they may cause transient distress and are commonly reported by psychotic patients. CONCLUSION We propose some features that suggest the non-pathological nature of a spiritual experience: lack of suffering, lack of social or functional impairment, compatibility with the patient's cultural background and recognition by others, absence of psychiatric comorbidities, control over the experience, and personal growth over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Moreira-Almeida
- Research Center in Spirituality and Health, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.
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31
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Spiegel D, Loewenstein RJ, Lewis-Fernández R, Sar V, Simeon D, Vermetten E, Cardeña E, Brown RJ, Dell PF. Dissociative disorders in DSM-5. Depress Anxiety 2011; 28:E17-45. [PMID: 22134959 DOI: 10.1002/da.20923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We present recommendations for revision of the diagnostic criteria for the Dissociative Disorders (DDs) for DSM-5. The periodic revision of the DSM provides an opportunity to revisit the assumptions underlying specific diagnoses and the empirical support, or lack of it, for the defining diagnostic criteria. METHODS This paper reviews clinical, phenomenological, epidemiological, cultural, and neurobiological data related to the DDs in order to generate an up-to-date, evidence-based set of DD diagnoses and diagnostic criteria for DSM-5. First, we review the definitions of dissociation and the differences between the definitions of dissociation and conceptualization of DDs in the DSM-IV-TR and the ICD-10, respectively. Also, we review more general conceptual issues in defining dissociation and dissociative disorders. Based on this review, we propose a revised definition of dissociation for DSM-5 and discuss the implications of this definition for understanding dissociative symptoms and disorders. RESULTS We make the following recommendations for DSM-5: 1. Depersonalization Disorder (DPD) should include derealization symptoms as well. 2. Dissociative Fugue should become a subtype of Dissociative Amnesia (DA). 3. The diagnostic criteria for DID should be changed to emphasize the disruptive nature of the dissociation and amnesia for everyday as well as traumatic events. The experience of possession should be included in the definition of identity disruption. 4. Dissociative Trance Disorder should be included in the Unspecified Dissociative Disorder (UDD) category. CONCLUSIONS There is a growing body of evidence linking the dissociative disorders to a trauma history, and to specific neural mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Spiegel
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA.
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32
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Spiegel D, Loewenstein RJ, Lewis-Fernández R, Sar V, Simeon D, Vermetten E, Cardeña E, Dell PF. Dissociative disorders in DSM-5. Depress Anxiety 2011; 28:824-52. [PMID: 21910187 DOI: 10.1002/da.20874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We present recommendations for revision of the diagnostic criteria for the Dissociative Disorders (DDs) for DSM-5. The periodic revision of the DSM provides an opportunity to revisit the assumptions underlying specific diagnoses and the empirical support, or lack of it, for the defining diagnostic criteria. METHODS This paper reviews clinical, phenomenological, epidemiological, cultural, and neurobiological data related to the DDs in order to generate an up-to-date, evidence-based set of DD diagnoses and diagnostic criteria for DSM-5. First, we review the definitions of dissociation and the differences between the definitions of dissociation and conceptualization of DDs in the DSM-IV-TR and the ICD-10, respectively. Also, we review more general conceptual issues in defining dissociation and dissociative disorders. Based on this review, we propose a revised definition of dissociation for DSM-5 and discuss the implications of this definition for understanding dissociative symptoms and disorders. RESULTS We make the following recommendations for DSM-5: 1. Depersonalization Disorder (DPD) should derealization symptoms as well. 2. Dissociative Fugue should become a subtype of Dissociative Amnesia (DA). 3. The diagnostic criteria for DID should be changed to emphasize the disruptive nature of the dissociation and amnesia for everyday as well as traumatic events. The experience of possession should be included in the definition of identity disruption. 4. Should Dissociative Trance Disorder should be included in the Unspecified Dissociative Disorder (UDD) category. CONCLUSIONS There is a growing body of evidence linking the dissociative disorders to a trauma history, and to specific neural mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Spiegel
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA.
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Lucchetti G, Lucchetti ALG, Bassi RM, Nobre MRS. Complementary spiritist therapy: systematic review of scientific evidence. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2011; 2011:835945. [PMID: 21687790 PMCID: PMC3108156 DOI: 10.1155/2011/835945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Revised: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Spiritism is the third most common religion in Brazil, and its therapies have been used by millions worldwide. These therapies are based on therapeutic resources including prayer, laying on of hands, fluidotherapy (magnetized water), charity/volunteering, spirit education/moral values, and disobsession (spirit release therapy). This paper presents a systematic review of the current literature on the relationship among health outcomes and 6 predictors: prayer, laying on of hands, magnetized/fluidic water, charity/volunteering, spirit education (virtuous life and positive affect), and spirit release therapy. All articles were analyzed according to inclusion/exclusion criteria, Newcastle-Ottawa and Jadad score. At present, there is moderate to strong evidence that volunteering and positive affect are linked to better health outcomes. Furthermore, laying on of hands, virtuous life, and praying for oneself also seem to be associated to positive findings. Nevertheless, there is a lack of studies on magnetized water and spirit release therapy. In summary, science is indirectly demonstrating that some of these therapies can be associated to better health outcomes and that other therapies have been overlooked or poorly investigated. Further studies in this field could contribute to the disciplines of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by investigating the relationship between body, mind, and soul/spirit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Lucchetti
- Research Department, São Paulo Medical Spiritist Association, Avenida Juriti 367 SP Apto 131, 04520-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alessandra L. Granero Lucchetti
- Research Department, São Paulo Medical Spiritist Association, Avenida Juriti 367 SP Apto 131, 04520-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M. Bassi
- Research Department, São Paulo Medical Spiritist Association, Avenida Juriti 367 SP Apto 131, 04520-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marlene Rossi Severino Nobre
- Research Department, Brazilian and International Medical Spiritist Associations, Rua Pedro Severino, 323 - 1° Andar, 04310-060 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Nijenhuis ERS, van der Hart O. Dissociation in trauma: a new definition and comparison with previous formulations. J Trauma Dissociation 2011; 12:416-45. [PMID: 21667387 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2011.570592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Amid controversy regarding the psychobiological construct of dissociation, efforts to formulate a precise definition of dissociation are rare. Some understandings of dissociation are so broad that a host of common psychobiological phenomena would qualify as dissociative. Overly narrow conceptualizations of dissociation exclude phenomena that originally, and for good reasons, have been regarded as dissociative. A common lack of conceptual distinctions between dissociation as process, organization, deficit, psychological defense, and symptom adds to the current confusion. In previous publications, we criticized many of these perspectives and proposed a detailed psychobiological theory of dissociation in trauma. However, what has remained missing is a precise definition of dissociation in trauma. This article first presents such a definition and elucidates its various components. Next the new definition is compared with several other major definitions of the concept. The strengths of the new formulation are highlighted and discussed.
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Abstract
This review discusses the relationships between religion, spirituality, and psychosis. Based on the DSM-IV, we comment on the concept of spiritual and religious problems, which, although they may seem to be psychotic episodes, are actually manifestations of nonpathological spiritual and religious experiences. Studies reporting that hallucinations also occur in the nonclinical population and thus are not exclusive to the diagnosed population are presented. Then, other studies pointing to the strong presence of religious content in psychotic patients are also presented. Finally, the criteria that could be used to make a differential diagnosis between healthy spiritual experiences and mental disorders of religious content are discussed. We conclude that the importance of this theme and the lack of quality investigations point to the necessity of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adair Menezes
- Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) School of Medicine, Research Center in Spirituality and Health at UFJF, Rua da Laguna 485/104, Juiz de Fora, MG 36015-230, Brazil.
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