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TBH these voices might have been the original reason why "demons" got defined by the ancients as evil spirits. They often speak evil things, are unseen to the

TBH these voices might have been the original reason why "demons" got defined by the ancients as evil spirits. They often speak evil things, are unseen to the general population, but torment the sufferer ... a basic candidate for the category of "demon", especially in pre-modern times. Also, I don't think that demons are a particularly Christian phenomenon. They certainly predate Christianity and various "heathen" religions were full of them: Indo-European, Amerindian, African... But the idea of schizophrenia as a very intense mind going on empty is interesting. Only I would say that it needs some specific pathway to go down the schizophrenic route. Plenty of people with intense fantasies are normally adjusted and don't fulfill the criteria for a mental disease.

dsego 2y ago
But it does look like there are some people who are tormented by mental issues and preoccupied with bizarre thoughts, occult imagery, and aggressive behaviors. And honestly, even though I've seen myself how meds work on my family member, it's so surreal to believe after seeing such manifestations, and demons would be the right term for the behaviors I've seen first hand, it also sounded like a living nightmare to the person experiencing it. The acceptance of these nonsensical ideas and going with the flow reminded me of how dreams work, but at least I'm not awake to live out the dream.
- kayodelycaon 2y ago
  My dad thinks manic episodes are demon possession. If antipsychotics fix the problem, was it really demon-possession?
  - wongarsu 2y ago
    The antipsychotics turn the body bitter, making it less comfortable for the demon. Hence the demon leaves for a better target. Well, probably not. But if demon possessions were a real thing there is no reason why only medieval remedies should be effective against them
  - I_Am_Nous 2y ago
    If the demons control your body by abusing your brain and nerve impulses, it could be. Our bodies work through electrical signals and various neurotransmitters like serotonin, so an anti-psychotic that affects brain receptors could prevent such a "hotwiring". Would it be any different than if aliens could beam signals to individual neurons to force you to do something? What about a skilled surgeon with an Arduino, or those seizure prevention circuits they can install?

dsego 2y ago

But it does look like there are some people who are tormented by mental issues and preoccupied with bizarre thoughts, occult imagery, and aggressive behaviors. And honestly, even though I've seen myself how meds work on my family member, it's so surreal to believe after seeing such manifestations, and demons would be the right term for the behaviors I've seen first hand, it also sounded like a living nightmare to the person experiencing it. The acceptance of these nonsensical ideas and going with the flow reminded me of how dreams work, but at least I'm not awake to live out the dream.

kayodelycaon 2y ago
My dad thinks manic episodes are demon possession. If antipsychotics fix the problem, was it really demon-possession?
- wongarsu 2y ago
  The antipsychotics turn the body bitter, making it less comfortable for the demon. Hence the demon leaves for a better target. Well, probably not. But if demon possessions were a real thing there is no reason why only medieval remedies should be effective against them
- I_Am_Nous 2y ago
  If the demons control your body by abusing your brain and nerve impulses, it could be. Our bodies work through electrical signals and various neurotransmitters like serotonin, so an anti-psychotic that affects brain receptors could prevent such a "hotwiring". Would it be any different than if aliens could beam signals to individual neurons to force you to do something? What about a skilled surgeon with an Arduino, or those seizure prevention circuits they can install?