Diagnosis of Jinn Possession amongst Non-Muslims with Mental Disorders Using Jinn Possession Scale

Abstract

The belief in spirit, demon or jinn possession is present in many cultures, and even ICD-11 has a description for “Trance and possession disorder”. Mental disorders and jinn possession have overlapping symptoms, resulting in different diagnoses. Three non-Muslims with mental disorders were used as case studies, and they were diagnosed as having jinn possession using a newly developed jinn possession scale. The scale was initially developed for diagnosing jinn possession amongst Muslims. The diagnoses were also confirmed using ruqyah, a popular method for diagnosing jinn possession. A multi-psyche model of jinn possession helps explain the “feeling suicidal” symptom in two subjects. The symptom resulted from the inter-psyche conflict between the human psyche and the jinn psyche. With cases of mental disorders on the rise, it is recommended that patients with mental disorders are screened for jinn possession. Complementary therapy for the treatment of jinn possession in association with modern medicine can bring better therapeutic outcomes in treating mental disorders.