Can you die from an extreme emotional experience?

The idea of ​​psychogenic death as the cause of death is raised during moments of intense stress. The intensity of emotional pain could be so overwhelming that the body reacts in shock, leading to death.

Psychogenic death: an urban legend?

Although this phenomenon is documented across different cultures and eras, it still sparks debate about its existence and underlying causes. Popular culture often associates it with persistent thoughts of death or a lack of will to live. However, much remains to be studied to fully understand this controversial phenomenon.

What are the theories around psychogenic death?

Although the biological processes related to psychogenic death are not fully understood, several theories have been put forward. One of them suggests a link with an extreme reaction of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for the body’s involuntary functions. Under intense stress, it would begin to react in an uncontrolled manner, releasing cortisol and adrenaline, stress hormones that can affect the heart and lead to death.

Another theory suggests dissociation, that is to say a disconnection between the body and the brain, which would activate defense mechanisms so powerful that they could lead to a fatal state of shock.

Challenges of studying psychogenic death

Due to its rarity, psychogenic death poses major challenges for research. Studies are too often retrospective or based on individual case reports. As it is very difficult to reproduce these extreme situations in the laboratory, research currently lacks detailed information and controlled studies to conclude whether or not a psychogenic death exists.

Although the idea of ​​dying from intense stress remains a mysterious and debated subject, evidence suggests that in exceptional circumstances, an emotionally extreme experience can have serious consequences on physical health, sometimes leading to death. .

Learn more: “The body forgets nothing” by Bessel A. Van der kolk.