Abstract
SummaryThis article focuses on jinn possession and mental illness in Islam. After discussing spirit possession generally and its classification in DSM-5, we present an overview of several studies examining the role of jinn in mental distress in Muslims in the UK. A case study which exemplifies jinn possession is presented and the clinical implications of the findings are discussed. We argue for collaborative working relationships between Islamic religious professionals and mental health professionals. Finally, we discuss potential areas for future research.
Highlights
SPECIAL ARTICLESJinn and mental health: looking at jinn possession in modern psychiatric practice. Summary This article focuses on jinn possession and mental illness in Islam
Declaration of interest S.D. is on the Executive Committee of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Spirituality and Psychiatry Special Interest Group
Possessed individuals sometimes exhibit symptoms similar to those associated with mental illnesses such as psychosis, hysteria, mania, Tourette syndrome, epilepsy, schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder; this includes involuntary or uncensored behaviour
Summary
Jinn and mental health: looking at jinn possession in modern psychiatric practice. Summary This article focuses on jinn possession and mental illness in Islam. Psychiatrist and anthropologist Roland Littlewood[3] sees possession as the belief that an individual has been entered by an alien spirit or other parahuman force, which controls the person or alters that person’s actions and identity. M. Lewis speaks of two types of possession: central and peripheral.[4] Central possession, highly valued by some, supports prevailing political, moral and religious beliefs, and views spirits as sympathetic to these. Lewis speaks of two types of possession: central and peripheral.[4] Central possession, highly valued by some, supports prevailing political, moral and religious beliefs, and views spirits as sympathetic to these Such states are characteristic of religious ceremonies worldwide and are not considered pathological. Spirit possession is merely incidental to the psychopathology rather than a cardinal symptom
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