Mystical delirium, what it is and how it manifests itself

Mystical delirium is an interpretation of reality that has three characteristics. The first is that said interpretation has the religious theme as its central content. The second, which is based on a judgment that is not shared by the society or culture in which it occurs. The third is that This situation causes great discomfort to the person and affects their relationship with others and their performance in social life..

Mystical delirium has also been called messianic delirium because It is usual for those who suffer from it to feel chosen to fulfill a certain mission, entrusted by divinity. Given the difficulty of placing precise limits on a religious belief, mystical delusion is sometimes not easy to detect.

The determining factor in mystical delirium is the negative effect it has on the person. Someone can have beliefs that seem absurd to others and, even so, they could not be classified as delusions, as long as they do not lead to anguish and maladjustment. More than truth or falsehood, what makes a mental content In delusional it is the intensity, persistence and damage that said mental content causes to the person..

From religion to mystical delirium

Religion is belief that there is a divine or supernatural power, which must be worshiped and obeyed. This belief is generally accompanied by an ethical code that must be followed and a set of rituals that must be practiced. The boundary between the religious and the delusional is not easy to define. What in one human group is part of belief, in another group could be seen as completely irrational.

Religious people often adopt mysticism as a way of life. This can be defined as a maximum exaltation of religious feeling. In that case, they assume a behavioral model that brings them closer to perfection from the point of view of their belief. They also seek a spiritual union with God. They usually achieve it through intuition and ecstasy, mainly through rituals.

Now, sometimes it happens that the religious person constructs a judgment about reality that is not shared by the other members of his or her belief. This judgment becomes unchangeable and increasingly intense. When there is mystical delirium, the person persists in such a judgment and this leads her to states of high worry and anxiety..

Whoever suffers from a mystical delusion begins to orient his entire life towards his belief, which is anomalous or far from the typical.. Stop studying, working and leading a life that could be considered “normal”. It is common for his reasoning to be based on hallucinations or pseudohallucinations, that is, on altered perceptions of reality.

Contents and effects of mystical delirium

Although it may sound somewhat paradoxical, mystical delirium represents an attempt to regain contact with reality. Prior to this, there is a strong fracture in the person’s psychic life. In general terms, it is frequently found that the person has suffered an accumulation of pain that overwhelms them. He cannot process this suffering and breaks down internally. Delirium, then, is a way to repair that internal damage..

It has been established that Catholic and Christian people who suffer from mystical delusions generally create content related to guilt and atonement.. Meanwhile, Jews are more likely to suffer from delusions related to the presence of nocturnal demons.

Beyond the delusional content, the fundamental thing is that it significantly affects the life of those who suffer from it. It causes great suffering and leads to the establishment false judgments about reality. It also isolates you and prevents you from leading a functional life..

Treatment of delirium

Intervention on mystical delirium, like other forms of delirium, is not easy. In general, those affected resist being treated because they see external interventions as an intrusion into divine plans. Therefore, a long treatment is often required and, almost always, slow results.

Psychiatry and medications can help moderate some effects of delirium, such as excessive anxiety or the production of hallucinations, when present. Beyond that, its field of action is limited. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is a way to promote introspection that improves the person’s adaptation. and to a more reasonable organization of his beliefs.

The environment of the affected person is also essential. It is advisable that the family and those who are part of the environment receive psychoeducation so that they can handle the situation. Understanding, affection and encouragement are also decisive. Regardless of whether the person abandons his or her beliefs, What it is about is that you can lead a less distressing and more balanced life. It is always possible to achieve.

You might be interested…