Events

Spirit possession is recognised world wide across many cultures and by several religions. Spirit possession is often seen as an idiom of distress causing a change in behaviour and mental well being. Spirit possession is also included in the ICD 10 and DSM IV classifications of mental disorders, yet the extent to which it is recognised and / or discussed in clinical practice is less than we would expect, even in UK cities where there resides a diverse population.

This one day event will consider the critical themes and debates on spirit possession from an anthropological, social, psychological, medical and religious perspective using a range of illustrative case study, clinical practice, research and short film presentations.

Key questions including the following will be considered:

• Discuss possible definitions of and different kinds of spirit possession
• Debate the key elements which typify spirit possession
• Discuss who can make a diagnosis of spirit possession and how such a diagnosis might be made
• Compare and contrast how spirit possession might be viewed by clinicians, religious leaders, healers, the "patient", family and community members
• Discuss the value of using the patient's explanatory model of the illness
• Reflect upon the key issues associated with defining what is "normal" and "abnormal"
• Discuss folk healing practices in different cultures and "treatment" options including exorcism
• Consider whether there is a need to enhance joint working between mental health professionals and traditional healers.

Programme of the day:

9.00 - 9.30 Registration, Tea & Coffee
9.30 - 10.40 Introduction & Chair Spirit Possession and Mental Health Services Professor SASHI SASHIDHARAN
10.40 - 11.30 Anthropology, Cognition and Spirit Possession Dr. SIMON DEIN
11.30 - 11.45 Tea & Coffee
11.50 - 12.40 What happened to the Dybbuk? Spirit Possession in Judaism Professor KATE LOEWENTHAL
12.40 - 1.00 Morning session Q&A
1.00 - 2.00 Lunch & Networking
2.00 - 2.50 What is Jinn Possession? Case studies from Egypt: Lessons for the UK Dr. MOHAMMED ABOUELLEIL RASHED
2.50 - 3.40 Spirit Possession in Ladakh (North India, State of Jammu and Kashmir): Lessons for the UK Professor SOPHIE DAY
3.40 - 4.00 Afternoon Q&A
4.00 - 4.30 Plenary, Closure & Evaluation sheets

Contact:

Ahmed Qureshi (conference co-ordinator) tel. 07540 356 526 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit us on www.bmehealth.org