SUMMA DÆMONICA BIBLIOGRAFIA

GOODWIN: 1990

Jean Goodwin, M.D., M.P.H./

Sally Hill, M.S.W./ Reina Attias, Ph.D.

„Historical and Folk Techniques of Exorcism:

Applications to the Treatment of Dissociative Disorders”, în

Dissociation, vol. III, nr. 2, june 1990, pp. 94-101. (pdf.)

Abstract

Anthropologists andpsychiatrists havepointed out similarities between the traditional diagnosis of possession and presentday diagnostic criteriafor dissociative disorders. Over the centuries, exorcism has been the treatment ofchoicefor such disorders. In this article Christian and Jewish exorcism practices are described together with related techniques from other cultures. Common elementsfound in traditional exorcisms include: 1) use ofspecial diagnostic techniques; 2) use ofincantations, scriptuTes and music; 3) use ofritual olljects; 4) physical interventions; 5) verbal confrontation ofthepossessingspi'rit; 6) aftercare; and 7) care to understand and avert risks to the exorcist. Familiarity with these techniques is useful when working with patients who allege that they arevictims ofsadisticritual abuse, who may seek exorcism from traditional sources, concurrently with medical treatment. Also, understanding the significance and impacts ofthese ancient techniques may allow us to identifY the specific vulnerabilities in dissociative patients which these interventions have evolved to address. Definingthese areas may help us become moreprecise in predictingwhat kind ofmodifications in psychotherapeutic technique may be necessary when treating such patients.