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Psychotic Symptoms and Spiritual Phenomena

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Christianity and Psychiatry

Abstract

Psychotic symptoms and spiritual phenomena may either be understood as being on a continuum or else as being discontinuous, categorically separate phenomena. Christian scripture and tradition may be interpreted within either model, but in either case, there is a need for discernment in diagnosis and pastoral care. Hearing the voice of God and belief in demon possession are particularly complex phenomena, being both a part of normal Christian life in many churches worldwide and also potentially symptoms of psychosis for some. For those who are suffering from psychosis, the relationship between faith and illness needs to be treated with sensitivity and respect. Christian spirituality has a significant part to play in recovery. A spiritual assessment and integration of spirituality/faith in treatment will be important. Much more mutual understanding and collaborative work are needed between clergy and clinicians to achieve optimum pastoral and clinical care.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Mark 5:1–20, Luke 8:26–39, Matthew 8:28–34. See a more detailed discussion in [28].

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Acknowledgements

I am pleased to acknowledge funding from the Wellcome Trust, grant number 108720/Z/15/Z.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Spirituality, Theology & Health, Durham University, Durham, UK

    Christopher C. H. Cook

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  1. Christopher C. H. Cook
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Correspondence to Christopher C. H. Cook .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    John R. Peteet

  2. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA

    H. Steven Moffic

  3. Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Strand, London, UK

    Ahmed Hankir

  4. Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA

    Harold G. Koenig

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Cook, C.C.H. (2021). Psychotic Symptoms and Spiritual Phenomena. In: Peteet, J.R., Moffic, H.S., Hankir, A., Koenig, H.G. (eds) Christianity and Psychiatry. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80854-9_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80854-9_3

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-80854-9

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