1957/05/01 by Curt P. Richter · 393 citations
Psychology · Environmental Science · Neuroscience · Medicine · #Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs #Health, Environment, Cognitive Aging #Phenomenon #Sudden death #Psychoanalysis #Psychology #Neuroscience #Medicine #Cardiology #Philosophy #Epistemology
paper · doi:10.1097/00006842-195705000-00004
published in Psychosomatic Medicine 19(3), 191-198 (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)
openalex publication_date 1957/05/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Summary A phenomenon of sudden death has been described that occurs in man, rats, and many other animals apparently as a result of hopelessness; this seems to involve overactivity primarily of the parasympathetic system. In this instance as in many others, the ideas of Walter Cannon opened up a new area of interesting, exciting research.