Trance and Possession Disorder With Underlying Dysthymia: A Case Report
Cureus February 26, 2024 Yatika Chadha, Ragini Patil, Saket Toshniwal et al. 2 citations
Trance and possession disorder involves a temporary altered state of consciousness, with trance marked by narrowed awareness or uncontrollable behaviors without identity change, and possession by replacement of personal identity with that of a spirit, deity, or animal. These episodes vary culturally and are linked to emotional stress, repressed emotions, domestic discord, or sociocultural issues. A case from Maharashtra, India, describes a patient diagnosed with trance and possession disorder alongside underlying dysthymia; treating the dysthymia stopped the trance episodes, illustrating the interplay between the two conditions.