Spirit Possession and Exorcism in the Treatment of a Bedouin Psychiatric Patient

摘要: A male Bedouin psychiatric patient was initially misdiagnosed and treated as a paranoid schizophrenic. The modern mental health care system correctly understood the “form” of patient's symptoms, auditory visual hallucinations. It did not however at first appreciate their “content”, or cultural significance. had unresolved anger toward his family which manifested in an angry exchange with mother. This created guilt belief that sinned against God possessed by demons. social worker able to reconcile mother incorporate traditional healer, Dervish, exorcise patient. cured re-diagnosed neurotic system, continued successfully both systems for several months follow-up treatment before being discharged.