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Published on: October 10, 2012
Posttraumatic stress symptoms following near-death experiences
1Department of Psychiatric Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville 22908-0152, USA. cbg4d@virginia.edu
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|August 10, 2001
Summary
People reporting near-death experiences (NDEs) have more intrusive posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, but not avoidance symptoms, indicating a general stress response. Positive affect in NDEs may reduce PTSD risk.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Near-death experiences (NDEs) are associated with significant psychological distress.
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common outcome following life-threatening events.
- Dissociation is a known risk factor for PTSD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between NDEs and PTSD symptomology.
- To differentiate the impact of NDEs from other dissociative experiences on PTSD.
- To explore the role of positive affect in NDEs concerning PTSD vulnerability.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of PTSD symptoms in individuals with and without NDEs after near-death events.
- Assessment of intrusive and avoidance PTSD symptoms.
- Evaluation of dissociative experiences and associated affect.
Main Results:
- Individuals reporting NDEs exhibited higher levels of intrusive PTSD symptoms compared to those without NDEs.
- No significant difference in avoidance PTSD symptoms was observed between groups.
- Positive affect characterizing NDEs may buffer against subsequent PTSD development.
Conclusions:
- The intrusive PTSD symptoms following NDEs may stem from a general stress response rather than a specific trauma reaction.
- The unique positive emotional component of NDEs might offer a protective mechanism against developing full-blown PTSD.
- Further research is warranted to understand the neurobiological underpinnings of NDEs and their long-term psychological impact.
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