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King RA. Suicide Following a Near-Death Experience. CRISIS 2024. [PMID: 38953318 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Background: Sometimes during real or presumed life-threatening and/or near-death circumstances, an individual undergoes an altered state of consciousness referred to as a near-death experience (NDE). The prevalent position in the field of NDE research for the last several decades has been that such experiences result in positive antisuicidal attitudes and that it is highly unlikely that experients will try to kill themselves afterward. In addition, the important consideration of passive suicidal ideation is neglected in NDE research. Aims: To question the premature assumption that people are highly unlikely to die by suicide after an NDE. Method: Four case studies of suicide after an NDE are provided and examined. Results: Although important quantitative data are still needed, it can no longer be argued that people do not die by suicide after an NDE. Limitations: Only four cases were available for examination, and the degree of impact that the NDE had on their suicide is uncertain. Conclusion: Much more research is needed on suicide risk post NDE. In the meantime, the NDE should not be ignored in suicide assessments, but therapists and other relevant professionals need to be attentive to any possible indications of either active or passive suicidal ideation post NDE.
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King RA. The Near-Death Experience and Suicidal Ideation. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231162175. [PMID: 36896858 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231162175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
The near-death experience (NDE) most generally refers to a state of altered consciousness with various features that can occur during real or presumed near-death circumstances and/or life-threatening incidents. Some NDEs are associated with a nonfatal suicide attempt. This paper discusses how a belief by suicide attempters that their NDEs are a true portrayal of objective spiritual reality can at least in some cases be positively associated with a persistence or increase of suicidal ideation and on occasion lead to further suicide attempts, while also exploring why at other times such a belief may reduce the risk of suicide. The formulation of suicidal ideation associated with NDEs among some of those who did not initially try to kill themselves is also explored. Various examples related to NDEs and suicidal ideation are provided and discussed. Furthermore, this paper also offers some theoretical insights related to this matter and points out some specific therapeutic concerns based on this discussion.
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Romand R, Ehret G. Neuro-functional modeling of near-death experiences in contexts of altered states of consciousness. Front Psychol 2023; 13:846159. [PMID: 36743633 PMCID: PMC9891231 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.846159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Near-death experiences (NDEs) including out-of-body experiences (OBEs) have been fascinating phenomena of perception both for affected persons and for communities in science and medicine. Modern progress in the recording of changing brain functions during the time between clinical death and brain death opened the perspective to address and understand the generation of NDEs in brain states of altered consciousness. Changes of consciousness can experimentally be induced in well-controlled clinical or laboratory settings. Reports of the persons having experienced the changes can inform about the similarity of the experiences with those from original NDEs. Thus, we collected neuro-functional models of NDEs including OBEs with experimental backgrounds of drug consumption, epilepsy, brain stimulation, and ischemic stress, and included so far largely unappreciated data from fighter pilot tests under gravitational stress generating cephalic nervous system ischemia. Since we found a large overlap of NDE themes or topics from original NDE reports with those from neuro-functional NDE models, we can state that, collectively, the models offer scientifically appropriate causal explanations for the occurrence of NDEs. The generation of OBEs, one of the NDE themes, can be localized in the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) of the brain, a multimodal association area. The evaluated literature suggests that NDEs may emerge as hallucination-like phenomena from a brain in altered states of consciousness (ASCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Romand
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,*Correspondence: Raymond Romand,
| | - Günter Ehret
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany,Günter Ehret,
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Hallez Q, Paucsik M, Tachon G, Shankland R, Marteau-Chasserieau F, Plard M. How physical activity and passion color the passage of time: A response with ultra-trail runners. Front Psychol 2023; 13:934308. [PMID: 36687890 PMCID: PMC9854799 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.934308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to replicate the results of a lengthening effect caused by physical activity already observed in duration length judgment, using the time passage judgment measure, while exploring the effects of passion types (obsessive vs. harmonious) on time perception. A total of 378 ultra-trail runners responded to an online questionnaire in which the type of passion and the passage of time (PoT) judgments associated with both an ultra-trail context and a non-trail daily context were collected. The results showed that participants systematically judged the time as being dilated in a situation of sports practice, thus extending the results obtained in interval duration judgment studies. This study also showed an influence of the type of passion: higher levels of harmonious passion were related to greater feelings of time dilation, while higher levels of obsessive passion were related to greater feelings of both time contraction and time dilation. Results are discussed in light of the two major factors that influence the PoT referenced in the literature, namely, attention and happiness level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Hallez
- DIPHE, Institut de Psychologie, Univ. Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon, France,*Correspondence: Quentin Hallez ✉
| | - Marine Paucsik
- Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Guillaume Tachon
- DIPHE, Institut de Psychologie, Univ. Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon, France,Ecole de Psychologues Praticiens, Paris, France
| | - Rebecca Shankland
- DIPHE, Institut de Psychologie, Univ. Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon, France,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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Hashemi A, Oroojan AA, Rassouli M, Ashrafizadeh H. Explanation of near-death experiences: a systematic analysis of case reports and qualitative research. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1048929. [PMID: 37151318 PMCID: PMC10158795 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1048929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Some individuals report a near-death experience (NDE) after a life-threatening crisis, which refers to a range of subjective experiences related to impending death. This experience is a phenomenon with transcendental elements, which leads to deep permanent changes in both the individual and the social lives of the NDEr's. Therefore, this study aims to review the near-death experiences of individuals with different religious and cultural views. Methodology This is a systematic analysis study. All the case report, case series and qualitative research studies which presented patients' NDE experiences were included in the study, without language restrictions, and in the period of 1980-2022. The stages of screening, selection, data extraction, and quality assessment have been gone through by two of the researchers. Data analysis and synthesis has been done qualitatively. JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Findings After the initial search, 2,407 studies were included, 54 of which underwent final examination. The total number of the NDEr's in the studies was 465 men, women, and children. Among these studies, 27 were case reports, 20 were case series, and 7 were qualitative studies. Near-death experiences have been categorized into 4 main categories and 19 subcategories. The main categories include emotional experiences (2 subcategories), cognitive experiences (4 subcategories), spiritual and religious experiences (4 subcategories), and supernatural experiences [9 subcategories in two categories (out of body experiences, and supernatural and metaphysical perceptions)]. Conclusion The most frequent near-death experiences were supernatural experiences, especially the experience of leaving the body. The basis and the content of the patterns mentioned by the NDEr's are similar, and the differences are in the explanation and the interpretation of the experience. There is a common core among them such as out-of-body experiences, passing through a tunnel, heightened senses, etc. Therefore, correct knowledge of near-death experiences leads to providing helpful answers to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Hashemi
- Student Research Committee, Nursing and Midwifery School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Oroojan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Maryam Rassouli
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadis Ashrafizadeh
- School of Nursing, Student Research Committee, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- *Correspondence: Hadis Ashrafizadeh
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Peinkhofer C, Martial C, Cassol H, Laureys S, Kondziella D. The evolutionary origin of near-death experiences: a systematic investigation. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab132. [PMID: 34240053 PMCID: PMC8260963 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Near-death experiences are known from all parts of the world, various times and
numerous cultural backgrounds. This universality suggests that near-death
experiences may have a biological origin and purpose. Adhering to a
preregistered protocol, we investigate the hypothesis that thanatosis, aka
death-feigning, a last-resort defense mechanism in animals, is the evolutionary
origin of near-death experiences. We first show that thanatosis is a highly
preserved survival strategy occurring at all major nodes in a cladogram ranging
from insects to humans. We then show that humans under attack by animal, human
and ‘modern’ predators can experience both thanatosis and
near-death experiences, and we further show that the phenomenology and the
effects of the two overlap. In summary, we build a line of evidence suggesting
that thanatosis is the evolutionary foundation of near-death experiences and
that their shared biological purpose is the benefit of survival. We propose that
the acquisition of language enabled humans to transform these events from
relatively stereotyped death-feigning under predatory attacks into the rich
perceptions that form near-death experiences and extend to non-predatory
situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Peinkhofer
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Martial
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Helena Cassol
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Daniel Kondziella
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
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7
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The Near-Death Experience Content (NDE-C) scale: Development and psychometric validation. Conscious Cogn 2020; 86:103049. [PMID: 33227590 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2020.103049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As interest grows in near-death experiences (NDEs), it is increasingly important to accurately identify them to facilitate empirical research and reproducibility among assessors. We aimed (1) to reassess the psychometric properties of the NDE scale developed by Greyson (1983) and (2) to validate the Near-Death Experience Content (NDE-C) scale that quantifies NDEs in a more complete way. Internal consistency, construct and concurrent validity analyses were performed on the NDE scale. Based on those results and the most recent empirical evidence, we then developed a new 20-item scale. Internal consistency, explanatory and confirmatory factor, concurrent and discriminant validity analyses were conducted. Results revealed (1) a series of weaknesses in the NDE scale, (2) a 5-factor structure covering relevant dimensions and the very good psychometric properties of the NDE-C scale, including very good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.85) and concurrent validity (correlations above 0.76). This new reliable scale should facilitate future research.
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Clinique des expériences de mort imminente : du vécu agonistique aux formes extrêmes de symbolisation. EVOLUTION PSYCHIATRIQUE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evopsy.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Kondziella D. The Neurology of Death and the Dying Brain: A Pictorial Essay. Front Neurol 2020; 11:736. [PMID: 32793105 PMCID: PMC7385288 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As neurologists earn their living with the preservation and restoration of brain function, they are also well-positioned to address the science behind the transition from life to death. This essay in pictures highlights areas of neurological expertise needed for brain death determination; shows pitfalls to avoid during the clinical examination and interpretation of confirmatory laboratory tests in brain death protocols; illustrates the great variability of brain death legislations around the world; discusses arguments for the implementation of donation after circulatory death (DCD); points to unresolved questions related to DCD and the time between cardiac standstill and organ procurement (“hands-off period”); provides an overview of the epidemiology and semiology of near-death experiences, including their importance for religion, literature, and the visual arts; suggests biological mechanisms for near-death experiences such as dysfunction of temporoparietal cortex, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism, migraine aura, and rapid eye movement sleep; hypothesizes that thanatosis (aka. death-feigning, a common behavioral trait in the animal kingdom) represents the evolutionary origin of near-death experiences; and speculates about the future implications of recent attempts of brain resuscitation in an animal model. The aim is to provide the reader with a thorough understanding that the boundaries within the neurology of death and the dying brain are being pushed just like everywhere else in the clinical neurosciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kondziella
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Cassol H, Bonin EAC, Bastin C, Puttaert N, Charland-Verville V, Laureys S, Martial C. Near-Death Experience Memories Include More Episodic Components Than Flashbulb Memories. Front Psychol 2020; 11:888. [PMID: 32528353 PMCID: PMC7247850 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Memories of near-death experiences (NDEs) are recalled as "realer" than memories of other real or imagined events. Given their rich phenomenology, emotionality and consequentiality, it was hypothesized that they could meet some aspects of the definition of flashbulb memories. We aimed to identify and compare the episodic and non-episodic information provided in verbal recollections of NDE, flashbulb, and control autobiographical memories. The phenomenological characteristics and centrality of the memories were also compared. Twenty-five participants who had lived a NDE in a life-threatening situation were interviewed and completed the Memory Characteristics Questionnaires as well as the Centrality of Event Scale for their NDE, a flashbulb and another autobiographical memory used as control. Overall, transcribed NDE verbal recollections included a higher overall amount of details and more internal/episodic information than control autobiographical and flashbulb memories. Moreover, flashbulb memories were associated to a lower intensity of feelings while remembering and a lower personal importance, and are less reactivated and less susceptible to be remembered from a first person perspective compared to NDE and control autobiographical memories. Finally, NDE memories are the most central memories to experiencers' identity, followed by control autobiographical and then by flashbulb memories. These findings corroborate previous studies highlighting the impact and uniqueness of NDE memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Cassol
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2 (Centre Intégré Pluridisciplinaire de l'Étude du Cerveau, de la Cognition et de la Conscience), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Estelle A C Bonin
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2 (Centre Intégré Pluridisciplinaire de l'Étude du Cerveau, de la Cognition et de la Conscience), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Ninon Puttaert
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Charland-Verville
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2 (Centre Intégré Pluridisciplinaire de l'Étude du Cerveau, de la Cognition et de la Conscience), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2 (Centre Intégré Pluridisciplinaire de l'Étude du Cerveau, de la Cognition et de la Conscience), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Martial
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2 (Centre Intégré Pluridisciplinaire de l'Étude du Cerveau, de la Cognition et de la Conscience), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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11
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Characterization of near death experiences using text mining analyses: A preliminary study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227402. [PMID: 31999716 PMCID: PMC6992169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The notion that death represents a passing to an afterlife, where we are reunited with loved ones and live eternally in a utopian paradise, is common in the reports of people who have encountered a “Near-Death Experience” (NDE). NDEs are thoroughly portrayed by the media but empirical studies are rather recent. The definition of the phenomenon as well as the identification of NDE experiencers is still a matter of debate. To date, NDEs’ identification and description in studies have mostly derived from answered items in questionnaires. However, questionnaires’ content could be restricting and subject to personal interpretation. We believe that in addition to their use, user-independent statistical text examination of freely expressed NDEs narratives is of prior importance to help capture the phenomenology of such a subjective and complex phenomenon. Towards that aim, we included 158 participants with a firsthand retrospective narrative of their self-reported NDE that we analyzed using an automated text-mining method. The output revealed the top words expressed by experiencers. In a second step, a hierarchical clustering analysis was conducted to visualize the relationships between these words. It revealed three main clusters of features: visual perceptions, emotions and spatial components. We believe the user-independent and data-driven text mining approach used in this study is promising by contributing to the building a rigorous description and definition of NDEs.
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12
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Martial C, Cassol H, Laureys S, Gosseries O. Near-Death Experience as a Probe to Explore (Disconnected) Consciousness. Trends Cogn Sci 2020; 24:173-183. [PMID: 31982302 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2019.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Forty-five years ago, the first evidence of near-death experience (NDE) during comatose state was provided, setting the stage for a new paradigm for studying the neural basis of consciousness in unresponsive states. At present, the state of consciousness associated with NDEs remains an open question. In the common view, consciousness is said to disappear in a coma with the brain shutting down, but this is an oversimplification. We argue that a novel framework distinguishing awareness, wakefulness, and connectedness is needed to comprehend the phenomenon. Classical NDEs correspond to internal awareness experienced in unresponsive conditions, thereby corresponding to an episode of disconnected consciousness. Our proposal suggests new directions for NDE research, and more broadly, consciousness science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Martial
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Centre du Cerveau (Centre intégré pluridisciplinaire de l'étude du cerveau, de la cognition et de la conscience), University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Héléna Cassol
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Centre du Cerveau (Centre intégré pluridisciplinaire de l'étude du cerveau, de la cognition et de la conscience), University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Centre du Cerveau (Centre intégré pluridisciplinaire de l'étude du cerveau, de la cognition et de la conscience), University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Centre du Cerveau (Centre intégré pluridisciplinaire de l'étude du cerveau, de la cognition et de la conscience), University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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13
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Kondziella D, Olsen MH, Lemale CL, Dreier JP. Migraine aura, a predictor of near-death experiences in a crowdsourced study. PeerJ 2019; 7:e8202. [PMID: 31824781 PMCID: PMC6898989 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Near-death experiences (NDE) occur with imminent death and in situations of stress and danger but are poorly understood. Evidence suggests that NDE are associated with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep intrusion, a feature of narcolepsy. Previous studies further found REM abnormalities and an increased frequency of dream-enacting behavior in migraine patients, as well as an association between migraine with aura and narcolepsy. We therefore investigated if NDE are more common in people with migraine aura. Methods We recruited 1,037 laypeople from 35 countries and five continents, without any filters except for English language and age ≥18 years, via a crowdsourcing platform. Reports were validated using the Greyson NDE Scale. Results Eighty-one of 1,037 participants had NDE (7.8%; CI [6.3-9.7%]). There were no significant associations between NDE and age (p > 0.6, t-test independent samples) or gender (p > 0.9, Chi-square test). The only significant association was between NDE and migraine aura: 48 (6.1%) of 783 subjects without migraine aura and 33 (13.0%) of 254 subjects with migraine aura had NDE (p < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 2.29). In multiple logistic regression analysis, migraine aura remained significant after adjustment for age (p < 0.001, OR = 2.31), gender (p < 0.001, OR = 2.33), or both (p < 0.001, OR = 2.33). Conclusions In our sample, migraine aura was a predictor of NDE. This indirectly supports the association between NDE and REM intrusion and might have implications for the understanding of NDE, because a variant of spreading depolarization (SD), terminal SD, occurs in humans at the end of life, while a short-lasting variant of SD is considered the pathophysiological correlate of migraine aura.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kondziella
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Markus Harboe Olsen
- Department of Neuroanesthesiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Coline L Lemale
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens P Dreier
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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14
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Martial C, Mensen A, Charland-Verville V, Vanhaudenhuyse A, Rentmeister D, Bahri MA, Cassol H, Englebert J, Gosseries O, Laureys S, Faymonville ME. Neurophenomenology of near-death experience memory in hypnotic recall: a within-subject EEG study. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14047. [PMID: 31575924 PMCID: PMC6773844 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50601-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurobiological basis of near-death experiences (NDEs) is unknown, but a few studies attempted to investigate it by reproducing in laboratory settings phenomenological experiences that seem to closely resemble NDEs. So far, no study has induced NDE-like features via hypnotic modulation while simultaneously measuring changes in brain activity using high-density EEG. Five volunteers who previously had experienced a pleasant NDE were invited to re-experience the NDE memory and another pleasant autobiographical memory (dating to the same time period), in normal consciousness and with hypnosis. We compared the hypnosis-induced subjective experience with the one of the genuine experience memory. Continuous high-density EEG was recorded throughout. At a phenomenological level, we succeeded in recreating NDE-like features without any adverse effects. Absorption and dissociation levels were reported as higher during all hypnosis conditions as compared to normal consciousness conditions, suggesting that our hypnosis-based protocol increased the felt subjective experience in the recall of both memories. The recall of a NDE phenomenology was related to an increase of alpha activity in frontal and posterior regions. This study provides a proof-of-concept methodology for studying the phenomenon, enabling to prospectively explore the NDE-like features and associated EEG changes in controlled settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Martial
- GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium. .,Centre du Cerveau², University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Armand Mensen
- GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Charland-Verville
- GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau², University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse
- GIGA-Sensation & Perception Research Group, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Algology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Mohamed Ali Bahri
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre In Vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Héléna Cassol
- GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau², University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Olivia Gosseries
- GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau², University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau², University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Faymonville
- GIGA-Sensation & Perception Research Group, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Algology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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15
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Kondziella D, Dreier JP, Olsen MH. Prevalence of near-death experiences in people with and without REM sleep intrusion. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7585. [PMID: 31523519 PMCID: PMC6716500 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The origin and prevalence of near-death experiences are unknown. A recent study suggested a link with REM sleep intrusion but was criticized for its selection of control participants. We therefore assessed the association of REM intrusion and near-death experiences with different methods. Methods Using a crowd-sourcing platform, we recruited 1,034 lay people from 35 countries to investigate the prevalence of near-death experiences and self-reported REM sleep intrusion. Reports were validated using the Greyson Near-Death Experiences Scale (GNDES) with ≥7 points as cut-off for near-death experiences. Results Near-death experiences were reported by 106 of 1,034 participants (10%; 95% CI [8.5–12%]). Evidence of REM intrusion was more common in people with near-death experiences (n = 50∕106; 47%) than in people with experiences with 6 points or less on the GNDES (n = 47∕183; 26%) or in those without such experiences (n = 107∕744; 14%; p = < 0.0001). Following multivariate regression analysis to adjust for age, gender, place of residence, employment and perceived danger, this association remained highly significant; people with REM intrusion were more likely to exhibit near-death experiences than those without (OR 2.85; 95% CI [1.68–4.88]; p = 0.0001). Discussion Using a crowd-sourcing approach, we found a prevalence of near-death experiences of 10%. While age, gender, place of residence, employment status and perceived threat do not seem to influence the prevalence of near-death experiences, we confirmed a possible association with REM sleep intrusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kondziella
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Technology and Science, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jens P Dreier
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Harboe Olsen
- Department of Neuroanesthesiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Peinkhofer C, Dreier JP, Kondziella D. Semiology and Mechanisms of Near-Death Experiences. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2019; 19:62. [PMID: 31352520 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-019-0983-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Near-death experiences (NDEs) are conscious perceptual experiences, including self-related emotional, spiritual, and mystical experiences, occurring in close encounters with death or in non-life-threatening situations. The origin of NDEs remains unknown. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of NDE semiology and pathophysiology. RECENT FINDINGS Recent prospective studies confirm that NDEs reflect a spectrum of highly distinctive memories which are associated with negative or positive emotions and can be influenced by the nature of the causal event, but the temporal sequence with which these images unfold is variable. Some drugs, notably ketamine, may lead to experiences that are similar or even identical to NDEs. New models extend previous neural network theories and include aspects of evolutionary and quantum theories. Although the factual existence of NDEs is no longer doubted and the semiology well-described, a pathophysiological model that includes all aspects of NDEs is still lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Peinkhofer
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Medical Faculty, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jens P Dreier
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Kondziella
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Technology and Science, Trondheim, Norway. .,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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17
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Lake J. The near-death experience (NDE) as an inherited predisposition: Possible genetic, epigenetic, neural and symbolic mechanisms. Med Hypotheses 2019; 126:135-148. [PMID: 31010490 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James Lake
- Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States.
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18
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Neurochemical models of near-death experiences: A large-scale study based on the semantic similarity of written reports. Conscious Cogn 2019; 69:52-69. [PMID: 30711788 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The real or perceived proximity to death often results in a non-ordinary state of consciousness characterized by phenomenological features such as the perception of leaving the body boundaries, feelings of peace, bliss and timelessness, life review, the sensation of traveling through a tunnel and an irreversible threshold. Near-death experiences (NDEs) are comparable among individuals of different cultures, suggesting an underlying neurobiological mechanism. Anecdotal accounts of the similarity between NDEs and certain drug-induced altered states of consciousness prompted us to perform a large-scale comparative analysis of these experiences. After assessing the semantic similarity between ≈15,000 reports linked to the use of 165 psychoactive substances and 625 NDE narratives, we determined that the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine consistently resulted in reports most similar to those associated with NDEs. Ketamine was followed by Salvia divinorum (a plant containing a potent and selective κ receptor agonist) and a series of serotonergic psychedelics, including the endogenous serotonin 2A receptor agonist N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). This similarity was driven by semantic concepts related to consciousness of the self and the environment, but also by those associated with the therapeutic, ceremonial and religious aspects of drug use. Our analysis sheds light on the long-standing link between certain drugs and the experience of "dying", suggests that ketamine could be used as a safe and reversible experimental model for NDE phenomenology, and supports the speculation that endogenous NMDA antagonists with neuroprotective properties may be released in the proximity of death.
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19
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Timmermann C, Roseman L, Williams L, Erritzoe D, Martial C, Cassol H, Laureys S, Nutt D, Carhart-Harris R. DMT Models the Near-Death Experience. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1424. [PMID: 30174629 PMCID: PMC6107838 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are complex subjective experiences, which have been previously associated with the psychedelic experience and more specifically with the experience induced by the potent serotonergic, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Potential similarities between both subjective states have been noted previously, including the subjective feeling of transcending one's body and entering an alternative realm, perceiving and communicating with sentient 'entities' and themes related to death and dying. In this within-subjects placebo-controled study we aimed to test the similarities between the DMT state and NDEs, by administering DMT and placebo to 13 healthy participants, who then completed a validated and widely used measure of NDEs. Results revealed significant increases in phenomenological features associated with the NDE, following DMT administration compared to placebo. Also, we found significant relationships between the NDE scores and DMT-induced ego-dissolution and mystical-type experiences, as well as a significant association between NDE scores and baseline trait 'absorption' and delusional ideation measured at baseline. Furthermore, we found a significant overlap in nearly all of the NDE phenomenological features when comparing DMT-induced NDEs with a matched group of 'actual' NDE experiencers. These results reveal a striking similarity between these states that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Timmermann
- Psychedelic Research Group, Centre for Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,The Computational, Cognitive & Clinical Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leor Roseman
- Psychedelic Research Group, Centre for Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,The Computational, Cognitive & Clinical Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Williams
- Psychedelic Research Group, Centre for Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Erritzoe
- Psychedelic Research Group, Centre for Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Martial
- GIGA-Consciousness and Neurology Department, Coma Science Group, University of Liège and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Héléna Cassol
- GIGA-Consciousness and Neurology Department, Coma Science Group, University of Liège and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- GIGA-Consciousness and Neurology Department, Coma Science Group, University of Liège and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - David Nutt
- Psychedelic Research Group, Centre for Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Carhart-Harris
- Psychedelic Research Group, Centre for Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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