A reappraisal of medieval mysticism & hysteria

Abstract

This paper examines the historical association between medieval mysticism and asceticism and the psychopathological condition of hysteria. We rst review the particular forms of medieval mysticism and asceticism that seem to have inspired modern psychiatrists and reductive historians to dismiss these phenomena as indubitably neurotic behaviours. Then we review the concept of hysteria as it evolved during the last two centuries for points of convergence with mysticism. Finally, we question the validity of value-laden diagnostic formulations in the domain of personality assessment. A few highly dramatic but culturally endorsed religious behaviours occuring in an otherwise well functioning individual does not constitute a basis for any psychiatric diagnosis, let alone a condemnatory characterological one such as hysteria. We propose a perspective for looking at medieval mystical states of mind and behaviours in context that moves beyond ahistoric assumptions that employ modern Western standards as the yardstick for medieval health and illness.

Pastoral Counseling to Men

“…This example highlights the existence of a widespread and popular idea that the experience of malign spiritual forces is closely related to insanity. Lipsedge (1996) and Kroll et al (2002) have shown that in medieval times demons and other malign spiritual forces were only occasionally seen as possible causes of psychiatric illness. Contemporary studies have examined beliefs that malign spiritual forces can be causes of insanity.…”

Visions or Hallucinations? Lacan on Mysticism and Psychosis Reconsidered: The Case of St George of Malta

“…While my focus is on what Lukoff () describes as ‘visionary spiritual experience’ (VSE), I seek to address the broader issue of the interrelationship between psychosis and religious experience. I fully recognize that it is immensely difficult to speak of ‘mysticism’ and I accept that there are, in fact, ‘no satisfactory definitions of mysticism’ (Kroll, Bachrach & Carey, , p. 84). Even when looking within the Christian tradition the notion of ‘Christian mystics’ as such is controversial (Bomford, , p. 177).…”

“…The analytical aim of this paper on the other hand is to try and understand the extent to which the VSE of St Ġorġ Preca can be compared with the phenomenology of hallucinations and delusions in psychosis. In considering the experiences of mystics alongside psycho‐diagnostic categories one must be wary that the exercise does not end up ‘serving little purpose other than disparaging a group (both men and women) whose vision of what is valuable in life and worth struggling for differed radically from a materialistic and secular viewpoint’ (Kroll, Bachrach & Carey, , p. 92). VSE needs to be considered in light of the frame of reference that renders these experiences meaningful social realities.…”