1030: Exorcism | Skeptical Sunday

Placebo Effect

Exorcisms often provide temporary relief through placebo effects and adrenaline rushes. Andrew Gold explains how the psychological tricks involved can make people feel cured of their ailments, similar to the effects seen in Darren Brown's magic shows 1. However, these effects are short-lived and do not address underlying mental health issues. Jordan Harbinger notes that while people may feel amazing immediately after an exorcism, the relief is usually temporary 2.

Isn't it amazing that we can use these psychological tricks to rid ourselves of pain, for example?

--- Andrew Gold

The temporary nature of this relief underscores the importance of seeking proper medical and psychological care.

   

Cathartic Release

The emotional and cathartic aspects of exorcisms can provide a sense of release for participants. Andrew Gold compares this to primal scream therapy, where individuals scream out their trauma to feel better temporarily 3. This catharsis, however, lacks long-term benefits and can be misleading. Jordan Harbinger humorously suggests incorporating screaming into the podcast, highlighting the absurdity of such practices 4.

The evidence of long-term benefits from primal scream is unconvincing.

--- Andrew Gold

Ultimately, these emotional releases do not address the root causes of psychological distress.

   

Mental Health

Exorcisms intersect with mental health conditions like OCD and schizophrenia, often providing only temporary relief. Andrew Gold shares that while some individuals feel better for months after an exorcism, the effects eventually wear off, revealing the underlying issues 5. He also discusses his own experience with OCD, noting that an exorcism might have masked his symptoms temporarily 6.

The problem came about a year later. That's how long it took. It's crazy.

--- Andrew Gold

This highlights the need for proper mental health treatment rather than relying on exorcisms.