The History of Witchcraft: A Review with Some Psychiatric Comments
Abstract
Witchcraft, held to be an anti-Christian heresy with evil supernatural powers, is distinguished from common superstition and reviewed. The author suggests individual and group psychodynamics to explain the delusion, its inclusion of perverse sexuality, and its treatment by sadistic aggression. Opponents of the delusion are mentioned, and the role of mental illness among both the persecutors and the persecuted is defined.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).