Types of Death Basic Statistics Social Aspects of Death Do Not Resuscitate Euthanasia.

Types of Death Basic Statistics Social Aspects of Death Do Not Resuscitate Euthanasia

Thanatologists: People who study death and dying.

Two types of death: Functional Death:

Absence of a heart-beat and breathing.

Brain Death: Diagnosis of death based on the cessation of all signs

of brain activity. Measured by electrical brain waves.

America has a very high infant mortality rate: Ranks behind 35 other countries Why is this?

Accurate statistics on our part. More drug use than almost any other country.

In early adulthood the leading cause of death is accidents. Followed by Suicide, Homicide, AIDS, and Cancer

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross: Based on her

observations, she suggested that people pass through five basic steps as they move toward death.

1. Denial: People resist the idea that they are going to die. A patient can flatly reject the diagnosis or request a second

opinion. Sometimes memories of weeks in the hospital

are forgotten.

2. Anger: They can be angry at people who are in good health, their

spouses and other family, those who are caring for them, and their children.

Questions Asked: Why are the bad people not dying and why am I? This can lead to the next stage.

3. Bargaining: Dying people try to negotiate their way out of death. “If you are good, you will be rewarded” The reward for being “good” is to “live”

4. Depression: They become overwhelmed with a sense of loss. Reactive depression: Based on events that have already

occurred. Loss of dignity that may accompany medical procedures End of a job Knowledge that one will never return from the hospital.

Preparatory depression: Sadness over future losses. Death will bring an end to their relationships.

5. Acceptance: Final stage of dying is acceptance. Once acceptance has arrived they are fully aware that death

is impending. They will have virtually no feelings,

positive or negative, about the present or future.

Denial and isolation – “It can’t be!” Anger – “Why me?” Bargaining – “Just let me do this first!” Depression – withdrawal, crying,

and grieving Acceptance – a sense of peace comes

No-Code Order: Written order from a doctor that resuscitation should not be attempted if a

person suffers cardiac or respiratory arrest.

DNR is more commonly done when a person who has an inevitably fatal illness wishes to have a more natural death without painful or invasive medical procedures.

DNR order came into being in the U.S. in the 1960s when defibrillation allowed the reversal of cardiac arrest.

Defined: The practice of assisting people who are terminally ill to die more quickly.

There are three types of euthanasia:

1. Passive Euthanasia Withholding common treatments (Antibiotics, drugs, or surgery) or giving a

medication (Morphine) to relieve pain, knowing that it may also result in death. Passive euthanasia is currently the most accepted form as it is currently

common practice in most hospitals.

2. Non-aggressive Euthanasia: The practice of withdrawing life support Quite controversial

3. Aggressive Euthanasia: Using lethal substances or force to kill Extremely controversial

Physician-Assisted Suicide: Term for aggressive voluntary euthanasia.

Funeral industry emphasizes lifelike qualities

Euphemisms — softening language for death

Persistent search for “fountain of youth”

Rejection and isolation of aged

Concept of pleasant and rewarding afterlife

Medical emphasis — prolonging life, not easing suffering

Death and Cultural Contexts

Childhood

Adolescence

Adulthood

Infant has no concept of death; perceptions of death develop in middle/late childhood; even very young children concerned about separation and loss

Develop more abstract concepts of death; common to think they are immune to death

Middle-aged adults fear death more than young adults or older adults; older adults think about death more

A Developmental Perspective of Death

Adolescence

3rd leading cause of death in ages10-19

19% of high school students seriously considered or tried suicide in last 12 mos

Adulthood and Aging

Suicide rates increase in adulthood

Older adults use more lethal ways, are more successful

Racial and gender differences exist

A Developmental Perspective of Death