‘Possession’ in psychiatric patients in Britain

Authors:
  • FWF. D. Whitwell
    F. D. Whitwell
  • MBM. G. Barker
    M. G. Barker
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Abstract
Various different types of explanation that have been offered for so‐called possession states are reviewed. Patients continue to be seen who believe that they are possessed. A group of 16 such patients are described. The relative contributions of individual and cultural factors are discussed. It is concluded that in this group of patients, while cultural factors may exert a pathoplastic influence, the main causes of disturbance lie within the individual.