Two scales for measuring near-death experiences (NDEs) were evaluated. The original NDE scale showed several weaknesses. A new 20-item Near-Death Experience Content (NDE-C) scale was developed and validated, revealing a five-factor structure covering relevant dimensions. The NDE-C scale demonstrated very good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.85) and concurrent validity (correlations above 0.76). This new reliable scale should facilitate future research on NDEs.
Hypnosis, a modified state of consciousness, reduces pain perception by re-engaging patients' resources to modulate pain and emotional distress, improving treatment and well-being. Neuroimaging shows hypnosis influences self and environmental consciousness networks, attentional and somatosensorial networks, disengaging subjects from external surroundings and altering body sensations and spontaneous thoughts. This review articulates clinical and neuroimaging findings on hypnosis for external pain stimuli, aiming to clarify mechanisms to guide future randomized controlled studies.
Hypnosis can increase comfort for patients in intensive care by significantly reducing pain and anxiety. Neuroimaging shows altered brain activation and functional connectivity in networks related to internal and external awareness and sensory perceptions such as pain. Hypnotic techniques may help improve respiratory weaning conditions for intubated and ventilated patients. Although some emerging studies investigate effective use of hypnosis in intensive care, controlled and randomized trials are still needed to draw conclusions about precise benefits.