The Role of Psychotic Disorders in Religious History Considered

The authors have analyzed the religious figures Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and St. Paul from a behavioral, neurologic, and neuropsychiatric perspective to determine whether new insights can be achieved about the nature of their revelations. Analysis reveals that these individuals had experiences that re...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe journal of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences Vol. 24; no. 4; pp. 410 - 426
Main Authors Murray, Evan D, Cunningham, Miles G, Price, Bruce H
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Arlington, VA American Psychiatric Association 01.10.2012
American Psychiatric Publishing
American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc
Subjects
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Biological and medical sciences
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Medical sciences
Mental Disorders - diagnosis
Other psychotic disorders
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Psychoses
Religion and Psychology
Human
Psychosis
Religion
History
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Summary:The authors have analyzed the religious figures Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and St. Paul from a behavioral, neurologic, and neuropsychiatric perspective to determine whether new insights can be achieved about the nature of their revelations. Analysis reveals that these individuals had experiences that resemble those now defined as psychotic symptoms, suggesting that their experiences may have been manifestations of primary or mood disorder-associated psychotic disorders. The rationale for this proposal is discussed in each case with a differential diagnosis. Limitations inherent to a retrospective diagnostic examination are assessed. Social models of psychopathology and group dynamics are proposed as explanations for how followers were attracted and new belief systems emerged and were perpetuated. The authors suggest a new DSM diagnostic subcategory as a way to distinguish this type of psychiatric presentation. These findings support the possibility that persons with primary and mood disorder-associated psychotic symptoms have had a monumental influence on the shaping of Western civilization. It is hoped that these findings will translate into increased compassion and understanding for persons living with mental illness.
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ISSN:0895-0172
1545-7222
DOI:10.1176/appi.neuropsych.11090214