jayem
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- Jun 24, 2003
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I have a true story from early in my medical training. A 20-something man was admitted from the ER. His family said he was in his usual state of health until abut 6 weeks or so earlier. At first he became withdrawn and uncommunicative--sometimes seeming like he was in a fog. Very unlike him. He couldn't go to work. He ate very little. He said he was hearing voices telling him terrible and threatening things. What other conversation he made was rambling and senseless. When he wasn't shouting at the unseen voices, he began babbling incoherently or making dog-like barking noises. His family was certain he was demon-possessed. For several days, their pastor came to house and they all prayed for the young man's deliverance. Initially, he seemed to calm down. He wasn't screaming, but he wasn't communicative at all. After a day or so during which time he was just lying in bed, staring with his eyes open, not moving, not eating or drinking, and not responding to stimuli, he was finally brought to the ER. There was no history of any prior medical problems, no head injury, and his family was certain he didn't use drugs. The medical work-up showed he was dehydrated, but x-rays, and a brain scan were negative. It was obvious that this man had suffered an acute schizophrenic episode, and was in a catatonic state. He was admitted to the psychiatric service, started on IV fluids, and injections of Haldol every 4 hours. By the next morning, he had woken up, was walking around the ward, drinking coffee, and talking coherently and cooperating with the medical staff. I remember this so clearly, because it was the most incredible turn-around in a patient's condition I'd ever seen.
I suppose one can't definitely say this was NOT a case of demonic possession. But I don't know what kind of demon will resist several days of prayer, but then get chased away in hours by an anti-psychotic drug.
I suppose one can't definitely say this was NOT a case of demonic possession. But I don't know what kind of demon will resist several days of prayer, but then get chased away in hours by an anti-psychotic drug.
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