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Exorcism-resistant Ghost Possession Treated with Clopenthixol

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Anthony S. Hale  and
Narsimha R. Pinninti
Anthony S. Hale*
Affiliation:
UMDS Guy's and St Thomas's, London
Narsimha R. Pinninti
Affiliation:
UMDS Guy's and St Thomas's, London
*
Dr Hale, Department of Psychiatry, UMDS Guy's and St Thomas's, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EH
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Abstract

Background

An Indian man now in Britain explained his criminal behaviour as episodic ghost possession. Traditional exorcisms failed to help.

Method

‘Western’ diagnosis of dissociative state or paranoid schizophrenia was made. Treatment commenced using trifluoperazine and clopenthixol.

Results

The patient underwent remission during neuroleptic treatment, despite previous evidence of genuine possession.

Conclusions

Many cultures give rise to apparently genuine cases of ghost possession. Neuroleptics may relieve symptoms of exorcism-resistant possession.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 165 , Issue 3 , September 1994 , pp. 386 - 388
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994 

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