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4517
qualitative
journal
Colli, Janet E., and Thomas E. Beck. "Recovery From Bulimia Nervosa Through Near-Death Experience: A Case Study." Amy (pseudonym), Case 1.
Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 33-55, 2003
1995
2003
19
F
Amy, a 19-year-old woman with severe bulimia nervosa stemming from childhood sexual abuse, attempted suicide by overdosing on codeine, Percodan, Tylenol with codeine, and alcohol, combined with wrist cutting. She was found unconscious in her car with her heart already stopped. During this life-threatening event, she experienced leaving her body and observing from above as an ambulance transported her to the hospital. She watched as emergency room staff cut off her bright turquoise sweatsuit and provided treatment. She described feeling like light or energy, with her physical body becoming very small and disappearing because it was "so sad." She then found herself in a pink space feeling happy, where she encountered a voice that asked "How many times are we going to have this conversation?" and "Why do you choose to create misery?" The voice emphasized that everything in her life was her choice and that she was creating her own misery. She experienced spinning through yellow and blue spaces before returning to her body, where she saw a doctor with blue eyes urging her to breathe. The NDE, though not consciously recalled until 7 years later through hypnosis, appeared to influence her recovery from bulimia. The emphasis on personal choice and responsibility became central to her healing process, as she gradually reduced purging from 25-30 times daily to eventual recovery.
2
Hospital
8
12
30
Moderate Evidence
12
10
Cardiac arrest documented by treating physician who stated "Your heart had already stopped." Multiple life-threatening factors: overdose of multiple medications plus alcohol, wrist cutting, prolonged unconsciousness.
Clear out-of-body experience with specific observations: saw ambulance from above, followed it to hospital, observed emergency room procedures including removal of bright turquoise sweatsuit, saw specific medical interventions.
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7/22/2025
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