Becoming "possessed" might be a true paranormal occurrence for some and a fairy tale phenomenon for others. However, for a 55-year-old Indian mother-of-two, it might as well be a reality. This woman suddenly acts strange during full moons in a trance-like state similar to what you see in your favorite horror movie. This, however, is no fiction, but a rare psychiatric condition named trance and possession disorder (TPD).
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The woman displayed other symptoms such as speaking with a different voice, sitting "unusually still," and even sobbing uncontrollably, according to a Cureus case report. According to the report, these episodes, which happened more often during fool moons, lasted from 30 minutes up to two hours.
Doctors then performed a "comprehensive and neurological examination" — an EEG and an MRI to analyze her brain.
"It is crucial to evaluate possession trance experiences by considering if the symptoms might be better explained by substance or medicine abuse, a syndrome unique to a particular culture, or another mental illness." They found that the patient had no history of drug abuse and performed various studies including However, they would soon focus on her psychiatric history.
"The patient had a history of recurrent depressive symptoms dating back to her adolescence, which she had taken for several years with wavering compliance and therefore with limited improvement in her mood symptoms," the case report reads.
Diagnosis And Treatment
Through a psychiatric evaluation, they determined that the woman had an "underlying dysthymia." Johns Hopkins Medicine describes dysthymia as a "mild, but long-lasting form of depression." Following this diagnosis, doctors started a treatment plan, which had the woman take the antidepressant escitalopram and weekly psychotherapy sessions.
By providing coping strategies, addressing the woman's depressive symptoms, and exploring her emotional conflicts, the woman began showing progress. Over the next few months, her "possession" episodes began to be more sparse and less intense.
"Psychotherapy played a crucial role in helping her understand the link between her depressive tendencies and trance episodes," the report reads. "She learned effective coping strategies and assertiveness skills to manage stress and emotional triggers, which contributed to her overall well-being."
Doctors concluded that early diagnosis is vital in cases of TPD. This can be difficult due to "cultural, spiritual, psychiatric, and socioeconomic" factors or stigma, but raising awareness surrounding the condition plays a vital part in successful diagnosing and treatment.
