title: Might Hallucinations Have Social Utility?: A Proposal for Scientific Study.
abstract: There are many historical examples of people who heard voices or saw visions but were not classified as having a mental illness and who were supported by a religious community. The article offers a perspective for effective psychosocial supports for schizophrenia. The author analyzes data on 95 people who experienced verifiable persistent non-drug-assisted hallucinations in Europe, North America, and Australasia and discusses the life outcomes of 39 subjects. They include founders of religions, dysfunctional monarchs, persons with cosmological beliefs, and mental health workers. Their psychoses were intrinsic to their personalities and contributions. Hallucinations generated by psychosis were useful for cultural innovation, particularly in religion as many hallucinators were integrated into church history. Community, work, friendship, and supportive practices are discussed. A scientific study of effective psychosocial support to supplement medication for schizophrenia is outlined.
authors: Centre for Classical Studies, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
authors: Paul Richard
authors: PR
authors: Kauffman
mesh_terms: D002410:Catholicism / Q000523:psychology; D003469:Culture; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000266:history / Q000523:psychology*; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D033303:Protestantism / Q000523:psychology; D011584:Psychology; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012919:Social Behavior