Besieged by devils--thoughts on possession and possession states.
Aspects of possession are reviewed in historical, cultural and clinical contexts. Consideration is given to differential diagnosis and management. It is suggested that a multi-disciplinary approach is required for a condition that stands at the boundaries of psychiatry. Two quotations from Elizabethan playwrights are relevant to the theme of this paper: 'Beware you do not conjure up a spirit you cannot lay' Ben Johnson, The New Inn (Act III, Scene ii) 'Farewell the tranquil mind: farewell content.' Shakespeare, Othello (Act III, Scene iii).
Prins
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Midlands Centre for Criminology and Criminal Justice, Loughborough University.
D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003702:Delusions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008273:Magic; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D008602:Mental Healing; D012069:Religion and Psychology