Integration of Geopsychiatry: A Synthesis and Analysis of Case Studies and Field Research on Possession Trance Disorder (PTD) in Indonesia
Medical Journal Awatara April 30, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.61434/mejora.v4i2.345 via OpenAlex
Summary
The study identifies Possession Trance Disorder (PTD) as commonly linked with undiagnosed dysthymia and trauma, supported by neurophysiological evidence indicating that trance is a biological hyperarousal condition. Effective therapies include Indigenous Psychology and cultural distraction techniques, which have shown success in clinical settings. The most effective treatment combines medical biological stabilization with meaning restructuring through local psychology.
Study at a glance
| Design | systematic review |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | primary studies on Possession Trance Disorder and related phenomena |
| Key finding | An integrated approach combining medical biological stabilization with restructuring of meaning through local psychology is the most effective treatment model for PTD. |
Abstract
Background: In Indonesia, the treatment of the phenomenon of Possession Trance Disorder (PTD) and visual hallucinations is often hampered by the dichotomy between medical and spiritual approaches. Many interventions fail because they rely solely on theoretical assumptions without sufficient empirical field evidence. Objective: This study aims to dissect the etiology, mechanisms, and effectiveness of mystical phenomena therapy using primary data (case studies and experiments) and to formulate integrative intervention models and methods. This study was conducted using the Systematic Review of Primary Studies method, following the PRISMA 2020 protocol. Inclusion criteria are strictly limited to primary data articles (case studies, qualitative field studies, EEG experiments) published between 2019 and 2025. Results: Analysis of 15 selected primary studies showed that PTD consistently appeared as a comorbidity of undiagnosed dysthymia and trauma. Neurophysiological evidence (EEG) confirms that trance is a biological hyperarousal condition, not just hysteria. Therapies based on Indigenous Psychology (Kawruh Jiwa) and cultural distraction techniques (Drawing/Murottal) have proven effective in real clinical settings. Conclusion: The most effective treatment model is an integrated approach or hybridization: medical biological stabilization combined with the restructuring of meaning through local psychology.