See no evil, hear no evil? the role of psychiatry in exorcism

Throughout history, many psychological and physical afflictions have been attributed to involuntary demonic possession, with traditional remedies like exorcism used to expel such forces. Similar beliefs can be symptoms of major mental illness, for which medication and psychotherapy are recommended. In an increasingly secular Western world, non-denominational Christian churches and other faiths that accept spirit possession and exorcism are growing. Culturally competent mental health professionals may struggle with exorcism, viewing it as interference with conventional treatment, and may be unwilling to differentiate between possession and mental illness. This paper explores diverse views on this topic, points of contention and overlap, and stresses necessary risks and cautions.

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Abstract

Beliefs in evil spirits and the practice of deliverance from supernatural forces have been widespread throughout history. Many psychological and physical afflictions have been attributed to involuntary demonic possession. Traditional remedies, for those reporting inhabitation by evil spirits, can involve exorcism believed to expel such forces. Similar beliefs may be symptomatic of major mental illness and treatments namely medication and psychotherapy, are frequently recommended. An increasingly secular western world is also seeing growth in non-denominational Christian churches and other faiths, who accept spirit possession and exorcism. Culturally competent mental health professionals, seeking to understand their patients' world view, may struggle with exorcism, seeing it as an interference to conventional treatment. They may be being unwilling thus to attempt differentiation between possession and mental illness. This paper explores the diversity of views on this topic and points of contention and overlap. The risks and cautions necessary in approaching this issue are stressed.