Psychosis or spiritual emergency? A Foucauldian discourse analysis of case reports of extreme mental states in the context of meditation.
Transcultural psychiatry October 1, 2019 Justina Kaselionyte, Andrew Gumley 6 citations
Extreme mental states during meditation are framed in two contrasting ways in scientific case reports: as psychiatric symptoms or as spiritual emergencies. A discourse analysis of 22 case studies reveals a divide between biomedical and alternative framings, each offering distinct therapeutic approaches. Some authors blended both perspectives. The findings encourage collaboration between clinicians, therapists, and spiritual teachers to provide a range of supportive options for those experiencing such states.