Belief in the possibility of demonic possession is decreasing since medical knowledge continues to evolve. What was previously considered to be individual's controlled by a demon are now commonly thought to be numerous forms of mental illness, most commonly dissociative identity disorder.
“Deliverance, also known as exorcism or expulsion of demons, is the primary mode of treatment for mental illnesses thought to be caused by demonic possession. It is possible for deliverance practices to include violent or dangerous actions” (Mercer, pg. 602).
A disorder that is frequently misdiagnosed as a demonic possession is dissociative identity disorder, more commonly known as multiple personality disorder. The characteristics of dissociative identity …show more content…
When a different identity takes over, they then have an inability to remember important personal information that is associated with previous identities. The information is often too important to be dismissed as ordinary forgetfulness. The separate identities that are involved in this disorder and the physical changes that accompany it could certainly be confused with the abrupt change in personality that is often manifested by those who appear to be victims of true demonic possession. The resemblance between the characteristics of dissociative identity disorder and demonic possession is rather striking. When a demon takes possession of an individual it has a purpose, their own set of beliefs, and different attitudes and mannerisms. The demon even has his own style of speech which can include a different voice altogether. Each of these characteristics is distinctly different from the individual prior to possession. An individual who suffers from a true demonic possession may not be able to recall the periods of time in which the demon manifests itself, resulting in blackouts and time loss. This can easily be compared to the manifestation of multiple personalities in an individual who suffers from dissociative identity
“Deliverance, also known as exorcism or expulsion of demons, is the primary mode of treatment for mental illnesses thought to be caused by demonic possession. It is possible for deliverance practices to include violent or dangerous actions” (Mercer, pg. 602).
A disorder that is frequently misdiagnosed as a demonic possession is dissociative identity disorder, more commonly known as multiple personality disorder. The characteristics of dissociative identity …show more content…
When a different identity takes over, they then have an inability to remember important personal information that is associated with previous identities. The information is often too important to be dismissed as ordinary forgetfulness. The separate identities that are involved in this disorder and the physical changes that accompany it could certainly be confused with the abrupt change in personality that is often manifested by those who appear to be victims of true demonic possession. The resemblance between the characteristics of dissociative identity disorder and demonic possession is rather striking. When a demon takes possession of an individual it has a purpose, their own set of beliefs, and different attitudes and mannerisms. The demon even has his own style of speech which can include a different voice altogether. Each of these characteristics is distinctly different from the individual prior to possession. An individual who suffers from a true demonic possession may not be able to recall the periods of time in which the demon manifests itself, resulting in blackouts and time loss. This can easily be compared to the manifestation of multiple personalities in an individual who suffers from dissociative identity