Do you believe someone can be possessed by evil spirits, could this be what is considered now schizophrenia?
401073
If you believe the bible:\nYes, people can be possessed by evil spirits.\nNo, possession by evil spirits and the major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia are not the same thing.\nI know Christians who dearly love the Lord and who have led many people to Christ who have been diagosed with schizophrenia but who cope very well as long as they take the appropriate medications. It is really no different than someone who has diabetes and who has to take insulin. Demons do not respond to medications. If someone is possessed then the demons must be exorcised. (Identified by someone who has the "gift of the discerning of spirits" and then exorcised by God given faith). It is not possible for a Christian (someone who is indwelt by the Holy Spirit) to be demon possessed. I believe demon possession is fairly rare.\nThe brain is a very complex organ and like any organ it can malfunction and become diseased in many ways. Christians often treated persons suffering from diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, senility and others as if they were demon possessed. Unfortunately some still do. But now we have scientific understanding of what causes these afflictions and they can be medically treated.\nI hope this is helpful. There is plenty of information on the internet about the causes and treatment of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Peace
7919
No - exorcism is ending the possesion of a body by evil spirits.  Science contends that evil spirits probably don't exist, and that all recorded instances of possesion are probably schizophrenia.
520625
It is entirley possible that he saw SOMEthing. A "demon?" No. An inhuman entity, trying to scare him? Yes. There are spirits on this planet, that never were human, but, are curious about the state of Being human. They can be nice about it, or they can simply enjoy harassing the living. We classify the bad ones as Demons, and the good ones as Angels, simply for convenience sake. But really, there are no religious connotations about them. \n   Not all people can see or sense these entities. Some people block out the ability, because it frightens them. But it exists. And so do they. So, yes. It is certainly possible that he did see something. :) If it did not physically accost him, I wouldn't worry about it. Ignore it, and it will grow bored and move on. Good luck!
579818
That might be one possible answer, but not the only one. There is plenty about this on the internet. Some people who had schizophrenia and epileptic seizures used to be thought of as being possessed by the divine force. The gods helped explain things that people didn't understand, and religion helped to unity people. There are a hundred answers to this question. Google it.
466230
are there people who think like this? yes\n\ndo they know what they are doing?   no\n\nif they are fooling with any kind of "dead" thing, it is probably a demonic spirit taking them for a ride.
466791
Some people with various mental disorders seem to be talking to themselves as in the case of schizophrenia but these people hear voices so they may actually be talking to the voices.  Also people with multiple personality disorder seem to talk to themselves, but it is actually their alter personalities talking.  Hope this clarifies things.
9198
yes..it is sad but true...I don't no how rare or common occurrence it is being possessed by evil entities..but people can become susceptible... becoming a doorway to evil spirits to enter this world..by taking control of ones mind and body..yes it is true..not talked about too much...what people don't really understand..they don't talk about..it scares them...it is a very ugly occurance..and not anything I would wish apon ANYONE in this world...
741775
Well, your earlier question asked was schizophrenia a real disease, but you seem not to want to know about the statistical and diagnostic evidence.\n\nSchizophrenia comes in several forms, only one of which features psychosis (delusions and hallucinations), and yes, it is perfectly possible for a wide awake person to become delusional. I cannot give you experimental results to 'prove' this to you, just tell you that it has happened to me a spart of bipolar mania.\n\nAs for thought transference, well as there is no scientific basis for it, I would guess that it counts as a delusion (if you believe you can do it) or a paranoid delusion (if you believe other people are doing it to you).\n\nI'm not really sure what you're after here. This is a psychiatric condition - there is no blood test for it, or any other incontrovertible proof, just a lot of common symptoms that seem to respond to the same class of drugs.
1026637
My shrink thought I have it but still deciding..... Sigh (I really would like to know or at least be able to be aware! There are A WHOLE WHOLE WHOLE lot of different types and options so you really cannot just say Schizophrenia.
725780
Possessed by demons? Often an accusation levied against people who do not fit societies current specification for optimum citizen.\nThose that actually commit crime should be judged as any others by the legal system. Let us end the insane insanity excuse for evading responsibility for crime.
26264
Yeah, I agree with what someone else said in a previous comment....If you're able to question rather or not you're crazy, chances are - You're Not!...Unfortunately, I had grown up around people that were mentally ill. (my Grandmother, & a cousin) who has been in & out of mental wards all their life...They didn't know they were ill, nor did they know what they were doing, saying, etc...
840861
I believe it to be highly improbable. I have never seen a credible account of demonic possession. It is more likely that these people were just suffering from a mental illness.
690968
you do hear voices in your head when you have schizophrenia. My brother has it. You also have a lot of paranoia. It's like a break from reality, it's NOT multiple personality disorder. You might need to see a doctor.
65625
I have never heard this idea before, so I don't have any real answers for you...just wondering if you really mean people with schizophrenia (and if so, what type?) or if you mean DID?
23505
Yes I did.  I wish more people knew that people with schizophrenia are not violent people, not usually.  It's actually very rare.  People with schizophrenia are just people who are tormented by hallucinations that are caused by a chemical imbalance.
78980
Yes, it is possible to misdiagnose a person as schizophrenic. Not all schizophrenia is chronic schizophrenia (although, alas, most cases probably are chronic and long-lasting) An acute psychotic episode is where they had psychotic symptoms in reaction to a stressor and the symptoms went away with treatment. It is also possible that he had a depressive disorder of psychotic proportion that was misdiagnosed. Major depression is usually episodic so it might be that it remitted. Finally, it is possible that he used psychoactive drugs and it precipitated a psychotic episode (for example, amphetimines--speed--can cause amphetimine psychosis that mimics paranoid schizophrenia).\n\nIt is certainly possible to hide the symptoms, but not easy. Does anyone else in his family have a depressive or psychotic disorder?\n\nAsk him about it....
551739
As a Wiccan, I have to advise you to seek the assistance of a mental health professional.  I have to say that what you describe does not correspond to any Wiccan teachings that I am familiar with.  In fact it sounds more like ceremonial magic.  \n\nAt any rate, what you are describing seems extreme to say the least, especially regarding spiritual practices, which leads me to think that you may be suffering from a mental disorder.  It's best to have yourself checked out so you can get treatment if necessary.