Neurobiologie der Nahtoderfahrung

Since R.A. Moody first described near-death experiences (NDE) in 1975, medicine and natural science have predominantly interpreted the various perceptions during NDE as complex hallucinations with physiological causes, such as endogenous hallucinogens like DMT or oxygen deficiency. However, critical analysis of these and other neurobiological explanatory models shows that the phenomena of NDE cannot be adequately explained within the prevailing reductionist-materialistic worldview. The article contends that a purely materialistic point of view is insufficient to account for the whole phenomenon of NDE.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Seit der Erstbeschreibung von ›Nahtoderfahrungen‹ (NTE) durch R.A. Moody 1975 rückten diese zunehmend in den Blickpunkt von Medizin und Naturwissenschaften. Diese deuten die verschiedenen Wahrnehmungen während NTE überwiegend als komplexe Halluzinationen, deren Ursachen physiologisch begründet sind. Beispielsweise werden endogene Halluzinogene wie DMT (Dimethyltryptamin) als mögliche Auslöser vermutet. Andererseits sollen krankheitsbedingte biochemische Veränderungen wie z.B. Sauerstoffmangel NTE verursachen. Bei kritischer Analyse dieser wie auch diverser anderer neurobiologischer Erklärungsversuche bleibt jedoch festzuhalten, dass die Phänomene der NTE im Rahmen des vorherrschenden reduktionistisch-materialistischen Weltbildes nicht ausreichend erklärt werden können. Since the first description of ›Near-Death Experiences‹ (NDE) by R.A. Moody in 1975, several organic-based explanatory models have been proposed. NDE encompasses a variety of sensations including separation from the body, feelings of unconditioned love, or entering an intense and holy light. Neuroscience research suggests that sensations of NDE are complex hallucinations, which were caused on the one hand by endogenous hallucinogens (Dimethyltryptamin/DMT) or low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia). However, critical analysis of various neurobiologic models revealed that the whole phenomenon of NDE cannot be explained simply on the basis of a pure materialistic point of view.