EXORCISM-RESISTANT GHOST POSSESSION TREATED WITH CLOPENTHIXOL

Background. An Indian man now in Britain explained his criminal behavi our as episodic ghost possession. Traditional exorcisms failed to help . Method. A 'Western' diagnosis of dissociative state or paranoid schi zophrenia was made. Treatment commenced using trifluoperazine and clop enthixol. Results. The patient underwent remission during neuroleptic treatment, despite previous evidence of genuine possession. Conclusion s. Many cultures give rise to apparently genuine cases of ghost posses sion. Neuroleptics may relieve symptoms of exorcism-resistant possessi on.