Cacodemonomania and exorcism in children

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Child Psychology
• Cultural Psychiatry

Background:

• Demonic possession is a culturally significant phenomenon, often sensationalized in popular media.
• Scientific literature has largely overlooked alleged cases of childhood demonic possession.
• Understanding the psychological underpinnings of such beliefs is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Observation:

• Presents five distinct cases of alleged demonic possession in children.
• Details the clinical presentation and family dynamics within these cases.
• Highlights the limited scientific inquiry into this specific manifestation.

Findings:

• The phenomenon is hypothesized to be a variant of folie à deux (shared psychosis).
• Suggests that the alleged possession may stem from shared delusional beliefs within a dyad or group.
• Indicates a potential psychological explanation rather than supernatural causation.

Implications:

• Recommends the inclusion of religious consultants in the multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Advocates for a psychodynamic or systemic approach to understanding and managing these cases.
• Encourages further scientific research into culturally bound syndromes and shared psychotic disorders.