A new international study reveals that people who report out-of-body experiences (OBEs) tend to show higher levels of anxiety, depression, dissociation, and exposure to trauma. The research adds depth to our understanding of OBEs and highlights important considerations for mental health services in Thailand.
OBEs are experiences where individuals feel they are observing their own bodies from an external perspective. While some interpret these episodes as spiritual or mystical, scientists are increasingly examining them through neuroscience and psychology. The latest study, published in a peer-reviewed journal, surveyed people who report OBEs and found they are more likely to report mental health symptoms and trauma than those who have not had such experiences.
Experts note that OBEs can be triggered by factors such as extreme fatigue, high stress, certain neurological conditions, or substance use. In Thailand, Buddhist concepts often influence how OBEs are understood, framing them within beliefs about consciousness and spiritual journeys. Medical professionals caution that such experiences deserve careful psychological evaluation, especially when they occur frequently or cause distress. A psychiatrist at a major Bangkok hospital emphasizes the need to distinguish culturally meaningful experiences from potential indicators of mental health issues. Clinicians look at frequency, accompanying symptoms, and personal distress to determine appropriate care.
Key findings show that individuals reporting OBEs are more likely to have histories of childhood or adult trauma and to report a range of symptoms including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and dissociative episodes. This aligns with international research linking dissociative experiences to trauma histories. Neurologists note that OBEs can accompany conditions like seizures or migraine auras, but the study strengthens the case for recognizing OBEs as potential psychological signals, not merely neurological curiosities. A neuropsychologist at a leading Thai university hospital explains that in Thailand, open discussion of OBEs can be hindered by stigma. Yet such conversations are essential for identifying those who may benefit from trauma-informed care.
The study used confidential surveys and standardized clinical scales to gather data from many participants, yielding robust results. It found OBEs are not inherently pathological; many people lead healthy lives with these experiences. However, OBEs are more common among individuals with unresolved trauma or mental health concerns, prompting reflections for Thailand’s evolving mental health landscape. A recent Department of Mental Health survey indicates that many Thais experiencing distress do not seek help, often due to cultural attitudes or limited access to services.
Culturally, Thai interpretations of OBEs may involve Buddhist concepts like reincarnation, meditation, or visions of past lives. While Thai society is generally tolerant of spiritual phenomena, clinicians warn about the risk of overlooking medical red flags. The president of Thailand’s Psychiatric Association notes that while cultural interpretations should be respected, families and communities should remain vigilant for signs of anxiety, depression, or trauma in those who frequently describe OBEs. Early recognition can prevent worsening symptoms.
Globally, research into OBEs is expanding as scientists explore brain networks involved in self-perception and body awareness. Some researchers have even induced OBE-like sensations in the lab, underscoring the link between mind and body. However, the current study focuses on real-world experiences and their psychological correlates, reinforcing the role of personal history in understanding why OBEs occur for some individuals.
For Thailand, these findings matter for educators, social workers, and religious leaders who often hear about OBEs from young people. Mental health advocates advocate training community gatekeepers to recognize when such accounts reflect underlying distress. As Thailand works toward broader mental health access under the national universal health coverage, incorporating trauma-informed care and psychoeducation about dissociative experiences will be crucial. The study’s results can inform updated guidelines, family resources, and open, stigma-free discussions.
Looking ahead, researchers encourage more local studies in Thailand to explore the cultural, spiritual, and clinical aspects of OBEs in depth. Importantly, OBEs should not be automatically pathologized or romanticized; they are signals that deserve compassionate listening and careful, holistic support when associated with distress.
Practical takeaway for Thai readers: approach OBEs with cultural sensitivity and mental health awareness. If frequent OBEs accompany anxiety, depression, or trauma, consulting a qualified mental health professional is recommended. Community education can help demystify these experiences, reduce stigma, and improve access to timely care.
For further information, consider the study’s summary and resources from Thailand’s mental health authorities and major health institutions.