Conference: Spirit Possession and Mental Health

Spirit Possession and Mental Health
 http://bmehealth.org/
19http://bmehealth.org/th March 2012 / London

Spirit possession is recognised world wide across many cultures and by several religions. Spirit possession is often seen as an idiom of distress causing a change in behaviour and mental well being. Spirit possession is also included in the ICD 10 and DSM IV classifications of mental disorders, yet the extent to which it is recognised and / or discussed in clinical practice is less than we would expect, even in UK cities where there resides a diverse population. This one day event will consider the critical themes and debates on spirit possession from an anthropological, social, psychological, medical and religious perspective using a range of illustrative case study, clinical practice, research and short film presentations. Key questions including the following will be considered: •       Discuss possible definitions of and different kinds of spirit possession •       Debate the key elements which typify spirit possession •       Discuss who can make a diagnosis of spirit possession and how such a        diagnosis might be made •       Compare and contrast how spirit possession might be viewed by         clinicians, religious leaders, healers, the "patient", family        and community members •       Discuss the value of using the patient's explanatory model of         the illness •       Reflect upon the key issues associated with defining what is        "normal" and "abnormal" •       Discuss folk healing practices in different cultures and        "treatment" options including exorcism •       Consider whether there is a need to enhance joint working between         mental health professionals and traditional healers.

Programme of the day 9.00 - 9.30 Registration, Tea & Coffee 9.30 - 10.40 Introduction & Chair Spirit Possession and Mental Health Services Professor SASHI SASHIDHARAN 10.40 - 11.30 Anthropology, Cognition and Spirit Possession  Dr. SIMON DEIN 11.30 - 11.45 Tea & Coffee 11.50 - 12.40 What happened to the Dybbuk? Spirit Possession in Judaism Professor KATE LOEWENTHAL 12.40 - 1.00 Morning session Q&A 1.00 - 2.00 Lunch & Networking 2.00 - 2.50 What is Jinn Possession? Case studies from Egypt: Lessons for the UK Dr. MOHAMMED ABOUELLEIL RASHED  2.50 - 3.40 Spirit Possession in Ladakh (North India, State of Jammu and Kashmir): Lessons for the UK Professor SOPHIE DAY 3.40 - 4.00 Afternoon Q&A 4.00 - 4.30 Plenary, Closure & Evaluation sheets

Who Should attend? This conference will be relevant to all interested in this field as well as all professionals, including those from Local Authorities and NHS trusts across the UK, Psychiatrists, GPs, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Counsellors, Early Intervention Teams, CPN’s, OT’s, Social Workers, Chaplains, Community Faith Leaders & Healers, Equality Leads, CommunityDevelopment Workers, Service User Representatives, Charities, Third Sector, Educational Establishments, Academics and Policy makers.	Where? Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG www.oxfordhouse.org.uk
Conference Contact Ahmed Qureshi (conference co-ordinator) tel. 07540 356 526 email us on: info@bmehealth.org or visit us on www.bmehealth.org