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The Near-Death Experience

The Near-Death Experience To the Editor.— In a recent COMMENTARY (242:2291, 1979), Richard S. Blacher, MD, points out that the "life after life" experience of the dying patient tells us nothing of the final state of death itself. Furthermore, he urges that misinterpretation of this experience could be avoided with a closer examination of the phenomenon. I have recently conducted a systematic investigation of these experiences in 107 persons known to have survived an episode of unconsciousness and near death (ie, cardiac arrest and coma).1 Using standardized interview techniques, the social, religious, and demographic backgrounds of each person were evaluated along with the details of each medical crisis event and any possible recollections from the period of unconsciousness. Like Blacher, I have concluded that these experiences are not by themselves prima facie evidence of life after death. Thus, "near-death experience" (NDE) becomes an appropriate label. Furthermore, I concur that a closer examination http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png JAMA American Medical Association

The Near-Death Experience

JAMA , Volume 244 (1) – Jul 4, 1980

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Publisher
American Medical Association
Copyright
Copyright © 1980 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS Restrictions Apply to Government Use.
ISSN
0098-7484
eISSN
1538-3598
DOI
10.1001/jama.1980.03310010019015
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

To the Editor.— In a recent COMMENTARY (242:2291, 1979), Richard S. Blacher, MD, points out that the "life after life" experience of the dying patient tells us nothing of the final state of death itself. Furthermore, he urges that misinterpretation of this experience could be avoided with a closer examination of the phenomenon. I have recently conducted a systematic investigation of these experiences in 107 persons known to have survived an episode of unconsciousness and near death (ie, cardiac arrest and coma).1 Using standardized interview techniques, the social, religious, and demographic backgrounds of each person were evaluated along with the details of each medical crisis event and any possible recollections from the period of unconsciousness. Like Blacher, I have concluded that these experiences are not by themselves prima facie evidence of life after death. Thus, "near-death experience" (NDE) becomes an appropriate label. Furthermore, I concur that a closer examination

Journal

JAMAAmerican Medical Association

Published: Jul 4, 1980

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