Psychiatrist Distinguishes Demonic Possession From Mental Illness Among People In The United States

Richard Gallagher, a professor of clinical psychiatry at New York Medical College and a certified psychologist, distinguishes demonic possession from mental illnesses among people in the United States.

Gallagher began working with a Catholic Priest after being asked his professional opinion about a troubled woman. She was either suffering from a mental disorder or a demonic possession. At first, Gallagher claimed he was very skeptical about the woman, but it didn’t take long to realize that she was, indeed, possessed.

“But my subject’s behavior exceeded what I could explain with my training. She could tell some people their secret weaknesses, such as undue pride. She knew how individuals she’d never known had died, including my mother and her fatal case of ovarian cancer. Six people later vouched to me that, during her exorcisms, they heard her speaking multiple languages, including Latin, completely unfamiliar to her outside of her trances. This was not psychosis; it was what I can only describe as paranormal ability. I concluded that she was possessed.”

Gallagher and the priest began a partnership and held several consultations. At the time, the priest was the best-known exorcist in the country.

“I’ve helped clergy from multiple denominations and faiths to filter episodes of mental illness, which represent the overwhelming majority of cases, from, literally, the devil’s work.”

How does Gallagher distinguish demonic possession from mental illness? He claims to be very open-minded and compassionate, and he claims to have respect for evidence. Demonic possessions are extremely rare, therefore Gallagher very carefully discerns possessions from medical conditions.

Gallagher mentioned that many of his colleagues were skeptical about his abilities to distinguish demonic possessions from mental illness. Gallagher blamed general skepticism of the supernatural and their standard treatment commitment for their doubt.

“But careful observation of the evidence presented to me in my career has led me to believe that certain extremely uncommon cases can be explained no other way.”

Some key points that have been made to distinguish demonic possession are as follows.

• Fluently speaking a language not previously known
• Knowing things that the person could not possibly know, such as another person’s personal information
• Aggression, cursing, and self-inflicting injuries can sometimes also be a sign of a demonic possession, but it cannot be used to diagnose alone
• Hatred towards religious objects can also be a sign but cannot be used as a diagnosis by itself

A case of demonic possession can be faked, so it is very important that all evidence is acquired before making the determination.

The rules of the Vatican have finally been updated since 1614. They no longer consider a person who flinches at the sight of a crucifix possessed. They do not automatically consider certain behaviors, such as severe aggression and cursing, as demonic possession. Instead, these behaviors must be an addition to other, more reliable clues.

Priests will now always consult with mental health professionals before making a determination whether or not someone is possessed.

One mental illness often confused with demonic possession is schizophrenia. However, there are differences that must be considered before making an assumption that a person is possessed and not suffering from a mental illness such as schizophrenia.

For one, a person diagnosed with schizophrenia is often religious, whereas a demon will have absolutely nothing to do with Christ. Secondly, a person who is schizophrenic will likely speak irrationally, jumping from one thing to the next. A possessed person will likely speak in a rational manner.

Also, a demon can speak of things that should not be known by the person who is possessed. Lastly, if a person claims to be possessed, he or she is likely not. A demon will likely be very secretive about their possession.

It certainly seems like a difficult process to determine whether a person is suffering from a mental illness, or if he or she is possessed by a demon. Richard Gallagher is one of the few who understands both ends of the spectrum.

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