The therapeutic importance of the study of the effects of the near-death experience
Theologia Viatorum February 1, 2024 Agai Matthew Jock
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are often described as orderly and positive, but some percipients show trauma symptoms. This research focuses on the negative aspects of NDEs, particularly their connection to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The life review—a vivid, logical recounting of dying experiences that may include guilt—is used as a key feature to argue that NDEs can involve both sanity and distressing features. The author concludes that NDEs may provide limited evidence for PTSD symptoms requiring therapeutic attention. The work challenges the lack of clinical guidance for NDE percipients and calls for psychiatrists to develop therapies, especially for those with negative NDEs.