Publication: Possession Syndrome at High Altitude (4575 m/15000 ft)
Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
In a first of its kind, a 20 year old Hindu, highlander, working girl presented with
abnormal behavior, unrelenting symptoms, had limited benefit by usual treatment
and was diagnosed as Possession syndrome. Exorcism offered symptomatic relief.
The girl resumed normal activities with no recurrence in a 12 month follow up.
Possession syndrome is explained in both medical and theological perspectives.
Modern medicine associates it with a mental illness though True Possession
syndrome without associated mental illness has been reported. Theological
perspective can be amalgamated with current scientific theory and practice,
thereby complimenting existing concepts.
KEY WORDS
Abreaction, acclimatization, exorcism, high altitude, possession
Description
Khan ID, Sahni AK
Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine
Army Hospital Research and Referral New Delhi 110010, India