BAE 4.5

Magazine Overview

Title: Bulletin of Anomalous Experience
Issue: Volume 4, Number 5
Date: October 1993
Publisher: Bulletin of Anomalous Experience (David Gotlib, M.D.)
Country: Canada
Language: English

This issue of the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience (BAE) continues its exploration of UFO phenomena, abduction experiences, and related psychological and therapeutic issues. The publication aims to serve as a meeting place for professionals and interested individuals, fostering discussion and research in the field.

Editorial: BAE in 1994 and Beyond

David Gotlib, M.D., expresses satisfaction with BAE's growth and announces its continuation through 1994. The editorial board plans to maintain a focus on the medical and psychotherapeutic aspects of UFOs and abduction phenomena. Key questions to be addressed include the causes of these experiences, distinguishing them from other phenomena, their effects on individuals, and how helping professions can best serve experiencers. BAE intends to cover a broad range of paranormal and anomalous experiences, integrating material from medicine, psychiatry, psychology, parapsychology, anthropology, sociology, and folklore. Gotlib appeals for contributions from readers, including clinical experiences, case studies, research questions, and articles of interest. He also emphasizes the goal of increasing readership among professionals to stimulate discussion and sustain the publication's service to professionals, experiencers, and lay people.

Mail: On the Accuracy of Recall by Richard Hall

Richard Hall submits a letter discussing the challenges of determining the accuracy of recall, particularly in cases of alleged sexual molestation based on childhood memories, referencing a news item about a "False Memory Syndrome" case. He expresses concern about the legal system's reliance on lawyers and courtroom psychologists, questioning the objectivity of the process. Hall calls for increased empirical research on memory recall and post-traumatic stress disorder in contexts relevant to childhood sexual molestation and abduction recall. He suggests that investigators should seek evidence for alternative explanations for such memories and avoid theories designed to justify predetermined conclusions.

Networking

This section provides information on two key organizations:

Parapsychology Foundation Counseling Bureau

Established by the Parapsychology Foundation, this bureau offers a free service to the public seeking qualified counselors and clinicians familiar with parapsychology and psi phenomena. It aims to connect individuals with professionals experienced in areas such as apparitions, hauntings, possession, psychic assault, and abduction reports. Licensed therapists interested in being listed in the database are invited to submit their credentials and areas of expertise.

Parapsychology Sources of Information Center (PSIC)

Founded in 1983 by Rhea A. White, PSIC collects and disseminates information on parapsychology and consciousness studies, with a focus on exceptional human experiences (EHEs) and their long-term effects. PSIC offers services including the PsiLine Database System (computerized bibliographic databases), the journal EHE (Exceptional Human Experience), and various directories and publications.

Alien Scripture #1

This is a brief review of a new publication by Kevin McClure. The journal "Alien Scripture" aims to explore communications with non-human intelligences, focusing on genuine otherworldly contact. The first issue includes essays on the "Problem of Noncontact" from the perspective of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), the history of British Spiritualism, apparitions of the Virgin Mary, and the "fantasy-prone personality."

Trends: False Memory Syndrome: In The Courts

This section presents news items detailing the ongoing debate about False Memory Syndrome (FMS) and recovered memories of sexual abuse, particularly as they manifest in courtroom proceedings. The relevance of FMS to anomalous and abduction experiences is highlighted, referencing a previous editorial in BAE.

Some Recent Cases

Two cases are detailed: one involving a man on trial for allegedly molesting his daughters, where the defense attributed the recovered memories to the mother's influence; and another concerning a 45-year-old man accused of sexually abusing his daughter, who presented with Multiple Personality Disorder. Both cases resulted in mistrials due to jury deadlock, underscoring the complexity and controversy surrounding recovered memories and expert testimony.

On Expert Witnesses

This subsection references Harry N. MacLean's book "Once Upon a Time: A True Story of Memory, Murder, and the Law," which explores a case where recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse led to a murder trial. The article discusses the challenges faced by expert witnesses in distinguishing true memories from false ones and the potential for bias in legal proceedings.

Original Articles

A Cerebral Dominance Explanation for Transpersonal Experiences by David Ritchey, Ph.D.

Dr. Ritchey, a hypnotherapist, proposes that "Spiritual Emergencies" and other transpersonal experiences are facilitated by anomalous cerebral dominance, characterized by a heightened participation of the right cerebral hemisphere. He links this to "psychological absorption," hypnotizability, and the ability to enter alternate states of consciousness. Ritchey discusses "Fantasy Prone Personality," "psychological sensitives," and other characteristics of experiencers, suggesting that anomalous cerebral dominance, potentially influenced by prenatal sex hormones, may underlie these traits and be associated with various neurological and psychological conditions. He advocates for understanding these factors to better assist individuals experiencing spiritual emergencies.

To Be Or Not To Be: That Is The Question by Ralph B. Allison, M.D.

Dr. Allison, a psychiatrist specializing in dissociative disorders, argues that the debate over true or false memories in cases of alleged abuse (Satanic Ritual Abuse or UFO abductions) often stems from therapists' difficulty in defining their role. He identifies three common roles therapists adopt: Shaman, forensic reporter, or detective, asserting that it is impossible to effectively play all three. Allison advocates for the "Shaman" role, emphasizing the need to accept and explore the patient's experiences to facilitate healing. He contrasts this with the "detective" role, which requires suspicion and doubt, and suggests that when legal issues arise, a separate forensic reporter should be involved to maintain the therapeutic alliance.

Book Review: Close Extraterrestrial Encounters: Positive Experiences with Mysterious Visitors

Edited by Richard J. Boylan, Ph.D., and Lee K. Boylan, MBA, this book is reviewed as a comprehensive work on positive Close Extraterrestrial Encounters (CE-IV). Dr. Boylan proposes a new psychiatric diagnosis, "Close Extraterrestrial Encounter Syndrome (CEES)," defined as an Adjustment Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, characterized by specific symptoms following an anomalous event. The review highlights the book's exploration of the psychological effects of CE-IV, different ET races, and includes first-person accounts. The article also distinguishes between "Uncomplicated CE-IV" and "Complicated CE-IV," the latter involving extreme psychological trauma, and discusses potential sources such as childhood sexual abuse, unprofessional interviewing, or staged pseudo-Alien Abductions.

Experiencers' Section: Another Anomalous Experiencer, by Lindy Tucker

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of anomalous experiences, particularly UFO abductions, and their psychological and social implications. There is a strong emphasis on the challenges of memory recall, the role of therapists in dealing with experiencers, and the need for rigorous scientific inquiry. The editorial stance, as articulated by David Gotlib, M.D., is one of open-minded investigation, encouraging dialogue between professionals and experiencers, and seeking to understand these phenomena from multiple disciplinary perspectives. The publication advocates for a cautious yet open approach to the study of anomalous experiences, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and potential misinterpretations or fabrications.

This issue of the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience, Vol. 4, No. 5, dated October 1993, delves into various anomalous phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO literature, medical reports on unusual sleep experiences, and research into psychological and cognitive processes. The magazine presents a mix of interviews, literature reviews, and case studies, aiming to explore the fringes of human experience and scientific understanding.

From the UFO Literature: Whitley Strieber Sounds Off

This section features an interview with Whitley Strieber, excerpted from UFO Magazine. Strieber expresses a critical view of the UFO community and its investigators, describing many as "rank amateurs" who fail to provide sensible research or support for the abduction phenomenon. He strongly criticizes the practice of hypnotizing individuals into believing they have had "alien scientist" abductions, labeling it a "fantasy" with no evidence. Strieber argues that such experiences, if they are not entirely fabricated memories, need to be handled by skilled, open-minded professionals like psychiatrists and psychologists, not by the UFO community. He laments the lack of such professionals and the general lack of effort from those in the medical field to address these issues. Strieber also touches upon the profound and often negative impact of his own abduction experience, stating that he had to find a positive aspect to survive. He describes the entities involved as indistinguishable from demons, causing lasting harm and a sense of diminishment. He likens the experience to being "raped and laughed at," emphasizing the need to build on the resulting "scar tissue."

From the Medical Literature: Exploding Head Syndrome

This extensive section explores the phenomenon known as "Exploding Head Syndrome" (EHS), drawing from several medical and scientific articles.

Exploding Head Syndrome (J.M.S. Pearce, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry)

Pearce reports on experiencers who hear loud, unidentifiable noises, often attributing them to ETs. He introduces "Exploding Head Syndrome" as a named phenomenon, citing a study that demonstrated electrophysiologic correlates. The etiology is unknown but believed to be benign and internally generated. The summary states that EHS is characterized by an explosive noise in the head during the twilight stage of sleep, with varied associated symptoms, and that neither extensive investigation nor treatment are indicated. Correspondents noted that many physicians had not encountered the symptom because they "hadn't bothered to enquire."

Clinical features of the exploding head syndrome

This subsection details that EHS occurs exclusively nocturnally, predominantly in the twilight stage of sleep. Sufferers report a noise, not pain, described as a "loud bang, explosion, shotgun, thunderclap, loud metallic noise, clash of cymbals, electric shocks." Associated symptoms include waking suddenly, an overactive mind, a sense of falling, or a flash of light. The onset can be in childhood, but the commonest age of onset is middle to old age. Episodes vary in frequency, from a few attacks followed by remission to up to seven attacks in one night. The terror induced is notable, but sufferers often achieve a degree of acceptance over time. Preceding events are usually unremarkable, though stress and tiredness are noted as triggers. The condition is considered benign and underreported. Explanations involving vascular or hydrodynamic changes, or disinhibition of the cochlea, are considered less likely than a transition from wakefulness to grade 1 sleep. Further studies using polysomnography are recommended, and reassurance is deemed essential, with drug therapy appearing unwarranted.

'Richter scale-like' readings reveal reality of exploding head syndrome (Rick McGuire, Medical Post)

This article reports on a New York University team's findings that EHS is an actual electrophysiologic event, presented at the APSS meeting. Edward O'Malley describes a dramatic EEG event that occurred during sleep monitoring, resembling a "7.0 earthquake on the Richter scale." Dr. Joyce Waisleben confirms this is the first documented instance and urges physicians to recognize EHS as a true hypnagogic phenomenon, not just emotional stress. She notes that many patients and even doctors report the syndrome, but it's often dismissed due to lack of literature. Reassurance is key, as the condition is benign and not linked to serious pathologies like strokes.

Other reports in the literature

This section provides brief summaries of other articles on EHS:

• The Exploding Head Syndrome: Polysomnographic Recordings and Therapeutic Suggestions (Sachs & Svanborg, Sleep 1991): Investigated nine patients with polysomnographic recordings, finding attacks occurred when patients were awake and relaxed, with no epileptic etiology. Symptoms ameliorated with reassurance, and clomipramine provided relief for three patients.
• [The exploding head syndrome] (Bongers, ter Bruggen, Franke, Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 1991): Reports on a 47-year-old female with EHS, characterized by sudden awakening with a loud noise and sometimes a flash of light, accompanied by anxiety and palpitations. Most patients are over fifty, and investigations reveal no abnormality. Pathogenesis is unknown, and reassurance is the only therapy.

Episodic Psychic Symptoms in the General Population

This section presents research on episodic psychic symptoms and their correlation with risk factors for CNS dysfunction.

Episodic Psychic Symptoms in the General Population (Ardila, Nino, Pulido, Rivera, Vanegas, Epilepsia 1993)

This study determined the frequency of episodic psychic symptoms (dysmnesic, perceptual, experiential) in a 2,500-subject sample in Bogota, Colombia. It found that individuals with risk factors like seizure history, head injury, or birth injury were more likely to report these phenomena. Significant correlations were observed with sleep disorders, headache, allergies, and learning disabilities. The study proposes that subclinical dysfunctions may be associated with these symptoms. Psychic partial seizures are categorized into dysmnesic, perceptual, cognitive, affective, and dysphasic types. The research aimed to establish symptom frequency and correlate them with potential CNS dysfunction indicators.

Method, Results, Discussion

The study used an adapted questionnaire from Roberts et al. (1990) on 2,500 students. Results indicated that about 50% of cases scored 0 ("never"), suggesting a low frequency of psychic partial symptoms in the population. However, dysphoric spells, episodic euphoria, religiousness, sweating, excessive shyness, and déjà vu were frequently reported. Correlations were calculated between risk factors and symptomatic variables. Seizure history, head trauma, car accidents, febrile illness, hospitalization, and birth hypoxia were all significantly correlated with various psychic symptoms. Sleep pathologies, particularly irresistible sleepiness and somnambulism history, showed a highly significant correlation with episodic psychic symptoms. The frequency of symptoms in this sample was higher than reported by Roberts et al., possibly due to Colombia's higher epilepsy prevalence and associated minor CNS dysfunctions. Individuals with a history of suicide attempts showed a very high frequency of psychic partial symptoms.

Table 1. Percentage of response in each category

This table presents selected data relevant to the abduction phenomenon, showing the percentage of respondents who reported various experiences from "never" to "at least several times a week." Notably, "Unrecalled behaviors" and "Memory gaps" had high percentages of "never" responses, while "Visual illusions," "Illusion of movement," "Auditory illusions," "Episodic tinnitus," and "Episodic anxiety" showed significant frequencies of occurrence.

The Polygraph

This section explores the use of polygraphs in abduction investigations and dissociative disorders.

The Polygraph (Correspondent's query)

A correspondent inquired about the use of polygraphs in abduction investigations, particularly for identifying dissociative disorders. The article references "Lie Detector," a TV series hosted by F. Lee Bailey, and Betty Hill's appearance on it, where she passed a lie detector test, which Bailey noted simply proved she believed her story.

Regressive Hypnosis and the Polygraph: A Case Study (Charles B. Mutter, M.D.)

This case study details the examination of a female witness and suspect in a double murder. A polygraph apparatus was used concurrently with hypnotic regression. The subject, Kay, failed two polygraph tests despite professing innocence. During hypnosis, Kay exhibited anxiety when describing the events and admitted to feeling guilty, believing she was responsible for the victim's death, even though she stated she did not pull the trigger. The author concluded that Kay's unconscious mind felt responsible due to guilt, leading to the polygraph's conflicting responses. A dissociation technique was used to help Kay detach emotionally. The author's opinion was that Kay was telling a credible story and the polygraph responses were due to anxiety and guilt, not conscious suppression. Kay was granted immunity.

Conclusion

Observations from the case report include the sensitivity of polygraph testing to question wording, the potential usefulness of dissociative ideomotor responses as a polygraph device, the importance of trance depth, and the critical role of underlying psychodynamics. The report suggests that while people can lie or fantasize under hypnosis, further studies are needed to establish the veracity of polygraph-type techniques in medicolegal proceedings.

New Directions in Applied Psychophysiology (J. Peter Rosenfeld)

Rosenfeld discusses two main branches of applied psychophysiology: diagnostics and therapeutics. He notes that diagnostic applications, particularly in lie detection, have been controversial. The "guilty knowledge" test and "control question test" are discussed, with the former being accurate in laboratory settings but having limitations in real-world application. The "control question" test is offered as an alternative, but its success rate is debated, with critics suggesting a 50% hit rate. Rosenfeld argues that lying is more a matter of cognition than emotion, and that newer methods using cognitive event-related brain potentials show more promise for detecting deception than older ANS-based polygraph methods. The future directions point towards brain-index-based measures of cognition and increasingly specific physiological indicators.

Literature Roundup

This section presents brief summaries of various research articles.

Memory

• Implicit perception, implicit memory, and the recovery of unconscious material in psychotherapy (Bornstein RF, J Nerv Ment Dis 1993): A review confirming Freud's hypotheses about accessing unconscious material but finding free association less powerful than suggested. It highlights that individuals make more logical inferences from explicit memories than implicit ones, and misattributions of familiarity to fame can occur with implicit memory.

Hypnosis

• Day persons, night persons, and variability in hypnotic susceptibility (Wallace B, J Pers Soc Psychol 1993): Examines variability in hypnotic susceptibility based on time of day, finding peak susceptibility at specific hours for both day and night persons, potentially associated with temperature increases and food intake.

Persinger's Corner

• Vectorial cerebral hemisphericity as differential sources for the sensed presence, mystical experiences and religious conversions (Persinger MA, Percept Mot Skills 1993): Proposes a model where relative metabolic activity of cerebral hemispheres influences mystical experiences, suggesting that intrusions from the right hemisphere can generate phenomena like "evil entities" or "gods."

Dissociative Disorders

• Dissociative disorders in psychiatric inpatients (Saxe GN et al., Am J Psychiatry 1993): Reports that 15% of psychiatric inpatients met DSM-III criteria for a dissociative disorder, with significantly higher rates of depression, PTSD, substance abuse, and borderline personality. Childhood trauma was also higher, and dissociative symptoms were largely unrecognized by clinicians.

Experiencers' Section

Another Anomalous Experiencer (Lindy Tucker)

Lindy Tucker shares her personal experiences, which began in the spring of 1975 with UFO encounters coinciding with audible beeping sounds and electromagnetic effects. She describes seeing brilliant white lights that banded together and blinked out, and later a "spinning metallic disk" with a lighted dome. These experiences included telepathic episodes, aerial maneuvers by the lights, and impossible aerobatic displays. Tucker also reports unusual phenomena such as gaseous orange balls of light, gossamer strands of angel hair, compasses spinning wildly, clocks stopping, battery-operated devices failing, and strange rapping sounds. She experienced crushing headaches, drowsiness, burns on her neck, and a triangular pattern of pinpricks. She also recounts missing time and major anxiety attacks. Tucker found solace in connecting with professionals like Dr. Berthold Schwarz and others who had similar experiences. She notes a connection to larger mysteries like crop circles and believes we live in more than a three-dimensional universe, with a fourth dimension overlapping our reality. She has developed empathetic, pre-cognitive, and telepathic abilities, along with spurts of psychokinesis and electrical malfunctions.

In Closing

Tips for a Successful Game of Golf (David Ritchey, Ph.D.)

Ritchey shares lessons learned from a five-day golf school, emphasizing basics, simplicity, and consistency. The tips include keeping one's eye on the ball, not holding too tightly, taking time when changing directions, considering all options, staying in the present moment, playing it as it lies, and treating mistakes as learning opportunities. He stresses trusting instincts and experience, striving for personal excellence rather than perfection, setting realistic goals, and remembering that golf is a game played for fun.

Quotations

This section presents several quotes:

• John Kenneth Galbraith: "The trouble with radicals is that they only read radical literature, and the trouble with conservatives is that they don't read anything."
• P.B. Medawar: "I cannot give any scientist of any age better advice than this: the intensity of the conviction that a hypothesis is true has no bearing on whether it is true or not."
• Wilfred E. Bigelow: "The greatest threat to humility is undue veneration of knowledge."
• R.D. Laing: "Even facts become fictions without adequate ways of seeing 'the facts.'"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around anomalous experiences, particularly UFO encounters and the psychological and physiological aspects of unusual phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages critical inquiry into these subjects, drawing from both anecdotal accounts and scientific research. There's a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous investigation, professional psychological support for those experiencing unusual phenomena, and a cautious approach to interpreting evidence, as highlighted by the discussions on Strieber's views and the polygraph case study. The inclusion of medical literature on Exploding Head Syndrome suggests an interest in exploring the intersection of the paranormal and the physiological. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded exploration, tempered with a demand for evidence and a recognition of the complexities of human perception and consciousness.