The topic of whether the practice of witchcraft can be a possible cause of schizophrenia has been a subject of debate and speculation. While many may hold various beliefs and opinions on this matter, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support the claim that witchcraft can directly cause schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterized by abnormal thoughts, perceptions, and behavior. It is widely accepted that a combination of genetic, environmental, and chemical factors contribute to the development of this condition. There is no singular cause that has been identified, making it difficult to pinpoint witchcraft as a direct cause. Witchcraft, on the other hand, is a practice that involves the use of rituals, spells, and other supernatural elements.
Witchcraft, on the other hand, is a practice that involves the use of rituals, spells, and other supernatural elements. It is often associated with folk traditions, certain religious practices, and cultural beliefs. While the belief in witchcraft may be prevalent in some societies, it does not inherently imply a direct causation with schizophrenia.
Witchcraft Or Simply Mental Illness?
I recently watched a programme on television wherein a young lady was talking about how in her understanding, there is no such a thing as mental illness. According to the lady, mental illness was nothing more than plain witchcraft. “People waste a lot of money on expensive medication trying to cure mental illness, and they can never find cure in western medicine,” she said.
The young lady’s way of thinking may be surprising to many and even offensive to others, but her ideology is nothing new. I do not know how by some magic powers, anyone could have the ability to affect another person’s mind, so I will not dispute her ideas. But I also understand that where there is no clarity, where mystery exists, human beings will attempt to seek answers and a sense of reason. Unfortunately, in our communities, particularly in rural areas, there is very little comprehension of how a mental illness might occur.
One cannot claim to know for certain whether witchcraft or curses exist, or whether there is merit in the association of these mysterious phenomena with disorders such as Schizophrenia, Psychosis, Bipolar, and other varieties of mental illness. The fact of the matter is that, if consulted, most traditional doctors would likely point to witchcraft as the cause of mental illness and some might even share the name of the culprit or witch. Whether or not the accusation would be accurate, relationships would still be destroyed because it is usually the closest relatives or neighbours that would be pointed out as perpetrators.
In my novel, Madness in Duggart, the protagonist’s mother refuses to lend an ear to anyone who suggests that her son may have been bewitched. Even in her pain and confusion, she understands the suffering that would inevitably be inflicted upon those that might be (wrongfully) accused. They could be alienated at best, or have their homes set on fire by angry mobs, at worst. The repercussions of the finger-pointing and speculations were bound to be too devastating.
But what exactly is witchcraft? The Oxford dictionary describes witchcraft as ‘the use of magic, especially black magic; the use of spells.’ As far as its alleged links with mental disorders goes, witchcraft is seen as the casting out of spells onto a target, in order for them to lose a sense of reality and normality. This could be done out of jealousy, mainly. As I heard one Psychiatrist explaining this: you may find that an intelligent child suddenly performs badly in their exams because it so happened that when the question paper was presented to them, they started seeing nothing but darkness as their mind switched off in an apparent blackout. Some would call that witchcraft. The witches would not want to see this child, with a seemingly bright future, realise his or her highest potential. The psychiatrist might diagnose such an occurrence as symptoms of a panic or anxiety attack’. The downside of the witchcraft accusation is that treatment is seldom sought timeously, if at all, and it devastates both the affected family and the accused one. The way I see it, the missing link and the root cause of the accusations is poor awareness and lack of education. People just do not know better. And whether those that believe in the power of spells and the Psychiatrists would ever agree is not so much the point. What is crucial is that people need to be made aware and taught that it is not too much of a mystical phenomenon when someone loses their mind; that there are logical medical explanations, regardless of how limited they may be in uncovering the true causes of mental illnesses.
Madness in Duggart is available on Amazon.
In South Africa, the book can be ordered online (for delivery within 48 hours) here.
A 17 item Hindi questionnaire was designed specifically to study individual's beliefs in various types of magico-religious beliefs, the role of magico-religious beliefs in causation of mental illness/behavioural abnormalities and the role of treatment based on such beliefs. Additionally, the questionnaire also had the provision to assess the role of stress (which is understood more as tension in our community) and changes in neuro-chemicals in causation of schizophrenia. The questions were developed in the line of Supernatural Attitude Questionnaire, an instrument which was developed about a decade ago by one of the authors (PK). Various items of the questionnaire were based on commonly prevalent magico-religious beliefs in our society. One item in the questionnaire covered the role of stress in development of mental illness and another item evaluated the understanding of patients with respect to the role of change in neuro-chemicals in the brain as the aetiology of mental illness. Regarding treatment, the questionnaire covered areas like seeking treatment from faith healers and performing religious rituals. The last question asked about the prevalence of magico-religious beliefs in the locality to which the patient belongs. The language of the questionnaire was simple and the responders were instructed to answer the questions in “yes” or “no”.
However, it is important to recognize that cultural beliefs and practices can have an impact on an individual's mental health. In certain cultures where witchcraft is strongly believed and feared, individuals may experience psychological distress or anxiety, which can be mistaken for symptoms of schizophrenia. Misinterpretation of experiences and a lack of understanding of mental health can contribute to stigmatization and misdiagnosis. It is crucial to approach the topic of witchcraft and mental health with cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness. Rather than blaming a particular practice or belief system, it is more productive to focus on promoting mental health education, awareness, and support within communities. This will help individuals better understand and address mental health issues, including schizophrenia, in a more holistic manner. In conclusion, the practice of witchcraft is not a scientifically proven cause of schizophrenia. While cultural beliefs and practices may influence individuals' mental health, it is important to approach this topic with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and scientific evidence. By fostering mental health education and support, we can contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society for all..
Reviews for "The Influence of Witchcraft Delusions on Schizophrenia Symptoms"
1. Sarah - 1/5 stars
I found "Can the practice of witchcraft be a possible cause of schizophrenia" to be a highly misleading and insensitive article. As someone who struggles with mental health, I understand the importance of scientific research and evidence-based conclusions. Unfortunately, this article lacked any credible evidence to support its claims linking witchcraft to schizophrenia. It feeds into harmful stereotypes and adds to the stigma around mental illness. I would not recommend anyone waste their time reading this piece.
2. John - 2/5 stars
I was initially intrigued by the title of "Can the practice of witchcraft be a possible cause of schizophrenia," but upon reading the article, I was disappointed by its lack of substance and scientific rigor. The author provided anecdotal stories and personal opinions rather than concrete evidence or well-conducted research. It felt like a sensationalist attempt to grab attention rather than a credible exploration of the topic. I would have appreciated a more balanced and objective approach to discussing the complex relationship between witchcraft and mental health.
3. Emily - 1/5 stars
I regret clicking on the article "Can the practice of witchcraft be a possible cause of schizophrenia." It was filled with baseless claims and no backing from reputable sources. It seemed more like a fear-mongering piece rather than a legitimate exploration of the topic. As someone who has studied psychology, I am deeply disappointed by the lack of scientific integrity in this article. I believe it is important to rely on evidence-based research when discussing mental health, and this article failed to meet that standard.
4. Michael - 2/5 stars
The article "Can the practice of witchcraft be a possible cause of schizophrenia" seemed intriguing, but ultimately it failed to deliver any meaningful insight. The lack of credible sources and the reliance on personal anecdotes made this article feel more like a work of fiction than an informative piece. I was hoping for a more nuanced exploration of the topic, but instead, I was left with more questions than answers. Overall, I would not recommend this article to anyone seeking reliable information on the intersection of witchcraft and mental health.