SCARRED BY BELIEF: FAITH HEALING-INDUCED SKIN INJURIES IN PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS - A CASE SERIES

Abstract

Background- Faith healing is a method of treating illnesses through faith rather than medical methods, typically practiced through prayers to gods
and deities. The belief in supernatural causation of mental illnesses and reliance on faith healing as a form of intervention has persisted since times
immemorial. In many cases, faith healers serve as the first point of contact, as the community's trust in them is deeply rooted. Case Presentations-
This case series attempts to describe six cases of patients suffering from psychiatric disorder with iatrogenic skin injuries caused by traditional faith
healers, in the absence of lack of awareness about the psychiatric disorders among family members and community. Conclusion- Faith healers do
form an integral part for treatment of patients suffering from psychiatric disorders. In a social system where they cannot be excluded, the least we
can do is to psycho-educate the public about various psychiatric disorders, timing and need for referral to ensure the better outcome of the patients.
Conflict of Interest- Nil